Understanding Garden Edging: Key Benefits and Importance
Garden edging refers to the borders of a garden, used to section off areas and define spaces for plants. This practice is popular for its practical and aesthetic benefits:
- Organisation: Edging a garden bed allows for easy organization, giving gardeners control over what grows where.
- Aesthetic Appeal: It makes the garden appear neater and offers opportunities for design features like islands, voids, sections, rooms, and rows.
It can have specific benefits such as:
- Â Creates transitions
- Accentuates beds
- Produces clean lines.
- Can create a focal point in your garden
- Plant Health: Garden beds deter grass shoots from sprouting in unwanted areas, limit the presence of weeds, and aid in the watering process as plants inside a garden bed don't compete as hard for nourishment.
- Soil Management: Garden beds reduce soil spillage onto the regular ground by holding soil, mulch and compost in place. Therefore maintaining a neat lawn appearance
Exploring Materials: Top Choices for Garden Edging
Steel:
When it comes to garden edging, the material you choose can dramatically impact both the functionality and aesthetics of your outdoor space. Steel, particularly Corten steel, stands out as a top choice for several compelling reasons.
The Aesthetic Appeal of Corten Steel:
Corten steel, often recognized under its trademark COR-TEN steel, is a unique alloy developed to eliminate the need for painting. Instead of corroding and weakening, Corten steel forms a stable, rust-like appearance when exposed to the elements over several years. This natural weathering process not only adds a rustic charm but also ensures that the steel seamlessly blends with the lush foliage of any garden, offering a contemporary yet timeless look.
At Daisy's Garden Supplies, we are proud to stock high-quality Corten steel edging, perfect for those aiming to achieve a harmonious blend of modern design and natural beauty in their gardens.
The Science Behind Corten Steel:Â What sets Corten steel apart is its "weathering" capability. Unlike other steels that may corrode over time, Corten steel alloys have a unique chemical composition that allows them to resist atmospheric corrosion effectively. This resistance is attributed to the steel's ability to form a protective layer on its surface when exposed to the weather. This protective layer, rich in alloying elements, not only guards the steel against further corrosion but also regenerates continuously, especially when subjected to different weather conditions. In essence, Corten steel is designed to rust, but this rust forms a protective coating that prevents further degradation, making it a self-shielding material.
Key Advantages of Steel Edging:
- Easy Installation: Steel edging is straightforward to install, making it a favorite among both DIY enthusiasts and professional landscapers.
- Strength and Flexibility: While steel is robust and durable, it retains a degree of flexibility, allowing for creative garden designs and curves.
- Longevity: One of the standout features of steel, especially Corten steel, is its longevity. Its ability to form a protective rust layer ensures it lasts for years, maintaining its aesthetic appeal without compromising its structural integrity.
Used Railway Sleepers:
Railway sleepers, historically foundational beams for train tracks, have been repurposed as a distinguished element in modern landscaping. At Daisy’s Garden Supplies, we offer premium recycled railway sleepers, ideal for sophisticated garden edging. These eco-friendly, reclaimed hardwood timbers are graded for quality, ensuring resilience against warping and swelling. Their rustic charm, combined with durability, makes them a sustainable and elegant choice for garden boundaries.
Pros and Cons of Using Railway Sleepers:
Pros:Â
- Affordability: Sleepers can be cost-effective and easy to install.
- Versatility: They come in a wide range of grades and can be combined with other materials to create a cohesive look.
- Dramatic Appeal: Large wooden sleepers, when set vertically, add drama and scale to any space.
Cons:
- Longevity Concerns: Even the most robust woods can succumb to termites or rot, especially in wet climates.
Pavers:
Pavers made from concrete are nearly indestructible. They're heavy to handle but are perfect for creating paths or just for edging beds. At Daisy's, we have a variety of pavers to suit your garden's aesthetic.
Rocks:
Rocks, available in various sizes, colors, and shapes, are a natural choice for garden edging. Creeping flowers tumbling over rocks create a picturesque scene. Daisy's Garden Supplies offers a wide range of rocks suitable for garden edging, ensuring your garden has a natural and earthy feel.
Plastics:
Plastic edging has emerged as a popular choice in modern landscaping due to its durability, flexibility, and ease of installation. Unlike traditional materials, plastic resists weathering, ensuring it retains its appearance and function over time. Its inherent flexibility allows gardeners to craft both linear and curved boundaries with ease, making it suitable for a variety of garden designs. Additionally, with the advent of eco-friendly practices, many plastic edgings are now made from recycled materials, offering an environmentally responsible choice. Overall, plastic edging provides a sleek and contemporary solution for defining garden spaces.
At Daisy's Garden Supplies, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of materials for garden edging. Whether you're looking for a contemporary look with steel or a rustic charm with used railway sleepers, we have everything you need to make your garden stand out. Visit us today and let's transform your garden together!
About the Authors
Harley Thompson
Harley is a second-generation journalist with a passion for gardening and a keen eye for detail. Currently studying a double degree of Commerce and International relations at Monash University, Harley loves learning new things. He specialises in creating engaging content about garden advice, using experience in store, with our team and customers. His writing blends his academic knowledge with practical experience, offering informative and inspiring articles. Â
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Greg Fitzgerald
Greg Fitzgerald is a qualified horticulturalist with more than 30 years in the industry and 16 years at Daisy's Garden Supplies. He manages production and procurement for all our products, ensuring high-quality gardens and landscapes for our customers. His vast experience and qualification in horticulture make him a key asset to Daisy's. He offers valuable insights and a wealth of knowledge in terms of mulches, soils, pebbles and rocks, composts and many other products.