If you're new to gardening or landscaping, garden edging might seem like a minor detail. However, anyone who has spent time maintaining a garden knows that proper edging is one of the most important elements for creating a polished, professional-looking outdoor space. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about garden edging, from understanding why it matters to choosing the right materials for your Australian garden.
What Is Garden Edging and Why Does It Matter?
Garden edging refers to any material used to create a distinct boundary between different areas of your garden—typically between lawn and garden beds, pathways, or mulched areas. While it might seem purely decorative, garden edging serves several crucial practical purposes that can save you significant time and effort in the long run.
First and foremost, edging acts as a physical barrier that prevents grass from creeping into your garden beds. Anyone who has dealt with invasive lawn grass knows how quickly it can take over flower beds and vegetable patches. Without proper edging, you'll find yourself constantly pulling grass runners from your carefully planted areas.
- Prevents grass and weeds from spreading into garden beds
- Keeps mulch and soil contained within defined areas
- Creates clean, professional-looking borders
- Reduces ongoing maintenance time
- Adds structure and visual appeal to your landscape
- Can increase property value through improved curb appeal
Edging also helps contain mulch within garden beds. If you've ever spread fresh mulch only to watch it migrate onto your lawn after a few rainstorms, you understand this frustration. Quality edging keeps mulch where it belongs, reducing waste and maintaining the neat appearance of your garden.
Understanding the Different Types of Garden Edging
Garden edging comes in a remarkable variety of materials, each with its own characteristics, benefits, and ideal use cases. Understanding these options is essential for making an informed decision that suits both your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.
Steel and Metal Edging
Steel edging has become increasingly popular in Australian gardens, and for good reason. It offers a sleek, modern appearance while providing exceptional durability. There are two main types of steel edging: galvanised steel and Corten (weathering) steel.
Galvanised steel features a protective zinc coating that prevents rust, making it ideal for areas with high moisture or coastal locations where salt spray can accelerate corrosion. This type of edging maintains its silver-grey appearance for many years with minimal maintenance.
Corten steel, on the other hand, is designed to develop a controlled rust patina over time. This creates a beautiful warm, rusty appearance that many gardeners find particularly appealing alongside native Australian plants. Despite the rusty appearance, the patina actually protects the underlying steel from further corrosion.
Plastic and Recycled Materials
Plastic edging represents the most budget-friendly option for garden borders. Modern plastic edging has evolved significantly from the flimsy products of decades past. Today's offerings include UV-stabilised options that resist degradation from Australian sun exposure and products made from recycled materials for environmentally conscious gardeners.
The main advantages of plastic edging are its affordability, ease of installation, and flexibility. Most plastic edging can be bent to create curves without special tools, making it ideal for organic garden shapes. However, plastic generally doesn't last as long as metal or stone, and lower-quality options can become brittle and crack over time.
Timber and Wood Edging
Timber edging offers a natural, warm aesthetic that's particularly suited to cottage-style gardens and native plantings. Popular timber options in Australia include treated pine, merbau, spotted gum, and recycled railway sleepers.
All timber edging requires proper treatment and maintenance to prevent rot, especially in humid climates. Ensure any timber you use is rated for ground contact and consider applying additional sealant in high-moisture areas.
While timber creates a beautiful organic look, it does require more maintenance than metal or stone options. You'll need to inspect timber edging regularly for signs of rot or termite damage, particularly in tropical or subtropical regions of Australia.
Stone and Concrete Edging
For those seeking permanence and elegance, stone and concrete edging deliver unmatched durability. Options range from natural sandstone and bluestone to manufactured concrete pavers and sleepers.
Stone edging is essentially a one-time investment—properly installed natural stone will last for generations. However, it typically requires more effort and expense to install, and the weight of stone materials often necessitates a stable foundation to prevent shifting.
How to Choose the Right Edging for Your Garden
Selecting the perfect edging material depends on several factors that are unique to your situation. Consider the following when making your decision:
Budget: Your available budget will significantly influence your options. Plastic edging might cost as little as $2-5 per metre, while premium stone edging can exceed $50 per metre before installation costs. However, remember to factor in longevity—a more expensive option that lasts 20 years may be more economical than cheap edging that needs replacing every 5 years.
Climate: Australia's diverse climate zones mean that not all materials perform equally everywhere. In tropical Queensland, you'll want materials that resist humidity and heavy rainfall. For the harsh Western Australian sun, UV-stable options are essential. Southern gardeners should consider frost resistance for alpine regions.
Garden Style: Your edging should complement your overall garden aesthetic. Modern, minimalist gardens pair beautifully with sleek steel edging, while cottage gardens often look best with timber or natural stone. Native gardens frequently benefit from Corten steel's rustic appearance.
The best garden edging balances your aesthetic preferences with practical considerations like climate, maintenance requirements, and budget. Don't just choose the cheapest option—consider the long-term value of your investment.
Basic Installation Principles
While specific installation methods vary by material, some principles apply universally to all types of garden edging:
Preparation is essential. Before installing any edging, clearly mark where you want your borders to go. Use a garden hose or string line to visualise curves and straight lines. Take time to get this right—it's much harder to adjust after installation.
Dig a proper trench. Most edging materials require a shallow trench for installation. The trench should be deep enough that the edging sits at the correct height—typically with the top edge slightly above the lawn level to contain mulch while still allowing easy mowing.
Create a level base. Even flexible edging benefits from a reasonably level base. For stone or concrete edging, you may need to add a compacted gravel or sand base to prevent settling and movement.
Secure firmly. Different edging types use different securing methods—steel edging typically uses stakes, plastic may have built-in stakes, and stone relies on weight and proper bedding. Ensure your edging is firmly fixed to prevent movement over time.
Measuring Your Garden for Edging
Before purchasing edging materials, you'll need to accurately measure the perimeter of your garden beds. Here's a simple approach:
- Walk around your garden with a measuring tape or wheel, measuring each section of border you plan to edge.
- For curved areas, lay a garden hose or rope along the curve, then measure the length of hose used.
- Add up all measurements to get your total linear metres.
- Add 10-15% extra to account for cuts, corners, and any mistakes.
It's always better to have slightly more material than you need—running short mid-project often means waiting for additional supplies and potentially getting products from different batches that may vary slightly in colour or size.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you begin your garden edging project, be aware of these common pitfalls that trip up many beginners:
Installing edging too shallow: If edging sits too high above ground level, it becomes a tripping hazard and looks unfinished. If it sits too low, it won't effectively contain mulch or prevent grass invasion.
Skipping soil preparation: Installing edging into unprepared soil often leads to movement and unevenness. Take time to remove debris and create a proper foundation.
Choosing style over substance: While appearance matters, don't sacrifice practicality for aesthetics. The most beautiful edging is worthless if it fails to perform its primary functions.
Underestimating installation difficulty: Some materials, particularly stone and concrete, can be challenging to install correctly. Be honest about your DIY skills and consider professional installation for complex projects.
Next Steps
Now that you understand the basics of garden edging, you're ready to start planning your project. We recommend exploring our other guides for more detailed information on specific materials and installation techniques. Our steel vs plastic comparison can help you decide between these popular options, while our step-by-step installation guide provides detailed instructions for DIY installation.
Remember, good garden edging is an investment in your outdoor space that pays dividends for years to come through reduced maintenance and increased visual appeal. Take your time to choose the right option for your needs, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions—we're here to help Australian gardeners create beautiful outdoor spaces.