Choosing the right edging for gardens

Edging for gardens may seem like a small detail, but it plays an important role in shaping the overall look and functionality of your outdoor space. A well-chosen garden edging option not only creates definition between lawns, borders and pathways, but also reduces maintenance and keeps plants and grass where they belong. With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which edging solution best suits your garden. So what should you consider when choosing the right edging for gardens? And what can you expect from the right garden edging?

Why does garden edging matter?

Edging for gardens is more than just decoration. It serves several practical purposes bringing a range of benefits including:

Neatness: Clear borders prevent grass from creeping into flower beds and keep soil or gravel in place.
Maintenance: Defined edges make mowing and weeding easier.
Structure: Edging can guide the flow of a garden, highlighting paths or framing planting areas.
Design impact: Materials and shapes influence the overall style, from formal straight lines to relaxed cottage curves.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing garden edging?

Before settling on a particular product or material, it is worth weighing up several factors. The right choice will depend on both practical requirements and the character of your garden. As a result, you should consider:

The purpose and function: Think about why you need edging in the first place. Is it primarily decorative, or does it need to hold back soil on a slope, withstand heavy foot traffic, or prevent invasive grass roots? A purely decorative edge can be lighter, while retaining edges require more robust solutions such as rubber or stone.
Garden style: The aesthetics of your garden, while not being the most important factor, should still guide your decision. Different types of garden edging can suit different styles of garden. Timber sleepers, for example, can suit rustic spaces, while rubber edging is perfect for modern and traditional gardens alike. As such, choosing edging that matches the overall character of your garden can help to create the best possible visual result.
Climate and soil conditions: The type of soils, and the climate conditions can cause problems for some types of garden edging. Untreated wood may rot quickly for example, whereas rubber edging or reconstituted stone offers longer durability. If your garden is likely to freeze in winter, flexible materials such as rubber may be better at withstanding ground movement.
Installation requirements: Some edging systems are simple enough for a DIY installation, while others require professional help. Plastic strips and rubber edging can be installed with minimal tools, whereas concrete or masonry edging involves excavation, cement and accurate levelling. As a result, it’s important to consider how much time and effort you are willing to invest in the installation itself.

What are the most popular options for garden edging?

There are a number of different options that you should consider when choosing edging for gardens. These include:

Timber: Affordable, natural look, but prone to rot if not treated.
Brick or stone: Classic and durable, though heavier to install.
Metal: Provides a slim, contemporary edge; steel and aluminium are common.
Plastic or composite: Lightweight, flexible and inexpensive, but can warp, crack or split.
Rubber: Soft and safe for family gardens, with long lasting weather resistance and good flexibility.

What are the benefits of the right edging for gardens?