How to choose garden edging

[EricL]

Garden edging can enhance the look of your garden and make it easier to maintain.

Here is our guide on the different types of garden edging, and how to choose the right one for your garden. Let us know if you have any questions with your gardening project. We’d be happy to assist.

Common uses of garden edging

Often installed between lawns and garden beds, garden edging divides your garden in neat sections. Many people use it to group certain plants together for easier maintenance and a tidier look. It can also be used as a low-level retaining wall to keep parts of your garden in check when your garden elevation shifts.  

Garden edging can take many shapes or forms, adding character and style to your space.

How to choose the right garden edging

There are a few factors to consider when choosing garden edging. These include:

• Use. Think about why you want to install garden edging and choose the material best suited for that function. Reasons to use edging include defining flower beds, creating raised sections, highlighting garden paths or containing soil and mulch. Metal edging, for example, is a great choice if you want to avoid dealing with soggy soil as it helps to improve drainage.

• Space. Your garden’s size plays a key role in determining the type of edging that would work best. Using bulky garden edging made from materials like stone may overwhelm the area and make it look crowded. For areas with a small garden, we recommend either steel, rubber or plastic edging.

• Style. Decide whether you want your garden edging to be a statement feature, or whether you prefer it to blend in and remain partly hidden. This goes a long way in determining your choice of edging colour and material. For example, if you used a dark plastic edging against bright flowers, the edging would be more prominent. A lighter option would work better if you wanted an edging that was not as noticeable.

Different types of garden edging

There are many different materials that can be used to create garden edging. Here are some common types:

Steel garden edging 

When choosing a garden edging for adaptability and durability, steel is your material of choice. This is because it can withstand harsh weather and resists ground movement.

Metal is also easier to bend and can be used for curved garden beds or walkways. Having a thin profile, it can also easily blend into surrounding foliage.

Rubber garden edgingRubber garden edging

For gardens with plenty of curves, rubber garden edging is great. Often made from recycled rubber, it does not crack or dry out in extreme temperatures.

It is also not affected by varying garden conditions, like changes in moisture levels.  

Timber garden edging 

One of the most common reasons why timber garden edging is so popular is because it is easy to install, sturdy and blends in easily with surrounding natural materials. It is also available in a wide range of styles and can be painted easily.

Although it is treated to withstand insect attacks, timber garden edging deteriorates at a faster rate than artificial edgings since it is made from a natural product. 
Timber garden edging

Stone garden edging

If you are looking for something strong and more permanent, consider garden edging made from stone, brick or concrete. These versatile materials work well with a variety of garden styles, including traditional, colonial, and modern.

Unfortunately, these materials are bulky, heavy and not as easy to install. They may also not work well in smaller gardens.   

Plastic garden edging 

Plastic garden edging is affordable and comes in a large variety of styles and colour. It can adapt to many demanding garden conditions, resisting mould, mildew and termites.

Composite garden edging

Made from a combination of recycled plastic and wood fibre materials, composite garden edging is not affected by mould and termite attacks.

It’s just as strong as plastic and can be used for both straight and curved gardens. Composite garden edging

How to install garden edging 

Learn how to install your own garden edging with this step-by-step guide shared by the Bunnings team: How to install garden edging.

More inspiration for your garden

Check out the Top 10 most popular garden makeovers shared on Bunnings Workshop, as well as our Top 10 most popular raised garden beds.

Other great projects shared by Bunnings Workshop community members include:

• Garden edging and planter boxes by @renomegan 
  
  
• Raised wicking garden bed with Ekodeck by @Adam_W 
  
  
• Raised garden bed using corrugated iron by @moshiach77 
  
  
• My raised garden bed by @crazycrisi.

Need more help?

The Bunnings Workshop community is here to assist if you need a hand in choosing the right garden edging. Don't hesitate to hit the Start a discussion button and let us know your needs.