Garden border edging is a finishing touch that can completely transform an outdoor space. While many homeowners may view it as an optional detail, landscaping professionals often regard edging as essential. It not only defines planting beds and pathways but also improves maintenance, enhances visual appeal, and extends the life of a well-designed garden. But what do professionals use for garden border edging, and how do they choose between the many materials available?
Why is edging important in professional landscaping?
For a garden to be well designed, both in terms of visual design and functional practicality, it has to be structured. Garden border edging contributes to both of these aspects in a number of ways, including:
- Creating definition: Clear separation between lawns, flower beds, and pathways provides a polished look.
- Containing materials: Garden edging prevents soil, mulch, gravel or bark from spilling into lawns or patios makes maintenance easier.
- Supporting longevity: By reducing erosion and foot traffic damage, edging helps gardens look good for longer.
- Enhancing design: Edging can complement the overall style of a garden, whether that’s sleek and contemporary or rustic and natural.
What are the common edging materials used by professionals?
There are a variety of edging solutions available, each with their own advantages depending on the setting. These include:
- Metal edging: Steel or aluminium edging is frequently chosen for its minimalist appearance and its ability to create crisp lines. It is durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for modern designs, although it can be more expensive and may require tools or expertise for installation.
- Stone and brick edging: For traditional gardens, brick or stone edging remains a popular choice. These create a natural look that blends seamlessly with many planting schemes. However, stone and brick are heavy to handle, often require a solid foundation, and can be time-consuming to lay correctly.
- Timber edging: Treated timber boards or logs are sometimes used where a softer, organic finish would be suitable. Timber can be cut to fit and is relatively straightforward to install. The downside is that wood can degrade over time, especially when in contact with soil and moisture, meaning maintenance or replacement may be needed.
- Rubber edging: Recycled rubber edging offers flexibility, resilience, and ease of installation without compromising on durability. This is why products such as FlexiBorder are becoming increasingly valued by landscapers.
Why does flexibility matter in professional edging solutions?
When landscaping professionals approach a project, they often encounter curved beds, irregular lawns, or sloping ground. Rigid materials like stone or steel can pose challenges in these situations. Flexible edging, on the other hand, allows for greater creativity in design. It can be adapted to suit sweeping curves as well as straight runs, saving both time and labour.
Flexibility also benefits the end user. Homeowners may choose to redesign planting areas over time, and a product that can be repositioned without extensive groundwork is appealing. Professionals are therefore inclined to favour edging that provides adaptability as well as strength.
What are the practical considerations for garden border edging?
From a practical perspective, professionals value edging that is straightforward to install. Projects often need to be delivered on time and within budget, so solutions that minimise groundwork are highly attractive. Flexible rubber edging can usually be fixed in place with minimal tools, which shortens installation time without sacrificing quality.
Safety is another consideration, especially in gardens designed for families or public spaces. Hard materials with sharp edges may pose a risk of trips or injuries. Softer alternatives provide a safer perimeter while still delivering definition and structure.
A professional’s perspective
Ultimately, the choice of garden border edging depends on the project brief, style, budget, and site conditions. However, the qualities most professionals look for remain consistent: durability, ease of installation, flexibility in design, safety, and sustainability.
This is why many landscapers are turning towards modern solutions such as recycled rubber edging. It offers a practical yet attractive way to define borders, suitable for both residential and commercial projects. For high quality rubber garden edging, FlexiBorder is the perfect solution. This is easy to install, well designed for longevity and resilience, and offers increased design flexibility. Why not take a look at our different options for your garden today?
