Edging
materials improve the look of
your garden beds, while keeping
mulch and soil in and grass and
gravel out. But what kind of edging
should you choose?
|
Landscape
timbers. They're
inexpensive, lasting and are
easy to install. They may
be stacked end to end or stacked
and secured with long galvanized
nails or rebar rods. |
|
Railroad
ties are inexpensive,
last forever and make a bold
statement, but they're very
heavy and difficult to handle.
It's best to stick with old
ties: they're cheaper and
look nicer, and the creosote
from new ties may leach out
and contaminate your plants
and soil, not to mention your
children. There are so many
other alternatives we don't
recommend railroad ties. |
|
Terrace
Board. We
stock a simulated bender board
product at the nursery called
'Terrace Board'. It looks
like wood. Terrace Board comes
in 40' rolls and is made out
of a very durable, flexible
but rigid plastic. |
|
Metal
edging is
preferred by professional
landscapers. It's pliable,
may be painted and lasts forever,
but it's expensive. if the
soil is soft it's easy to
tap in with a hammer. If the
soil is hard, dig a shallow
trench first, then lay the
edging in the trench and fill
with soil. |
|
Borders
of stone, concrete or brick
can be the most expensive
but also the longest-lasting
and best looking choice. Unless
the stones are fitted together
with mortar, however, weeds
and turf grasses can grow
between the cracks. Nothing
a little Killzall Weed and
Grass killer won't fix. |
|
Brick
pavers are
reasonably inexpensive. Bricks
tend to be more attractive
and versatile since you can
use them on their side, set
them end to end or lay them
on a diagonal pattern. |
|
Border
blocks are
also available. Interlocking
pavers are perfect for do-it-yourselfers.
They're expensive but may
be used in a variety of ways,
including side by side to
create borders or stacked
to build raised beds. |
|
Another excellent
form of landscape border,
growing rapidly in popularity,
is concrete. Concrete will
last a lifetime. There are
many colors and patterns to
choose from such as brick
and cobblestone. Concrete
border can be installed in
straight lines or curves forming
a solid barrier between beds
and lawn that weeds and even
bernuda grass cannot penetrate!
It holds mulches and gravel
in place too. If you live
in the Atlanta Metro area
and are interested in receiving
a quote contact UltimateEdge
for a free consultation and
estimate. 678-794-1336 or
visit the website: ultimateedgeofga.com
to see more. |
TIPS:
- If the purpose of your border
is to prevent grasses or invasive
plants from entering your flower
beds, the edging must extend at
least 2" below the soil surface.
- For a natural look design bedlines
with gentle curves.
- Rent a trencher to carve out
your beds and lay brick pavers
flat against the trench slope
on the inside of the bed to create
an attractive 'bowl effect'. |