Define your green spaces elegantly with these essential landscaping elements. Whether made of concrete, steel, wood or plastic, these dividers help structure your garden while holding back the soil in flower beds. Installing them involves a few key steps: marking out with a string line, preparing a trench, laying a bedding layer, and finally securing the edging. A project within reach of beginner DIYers, for a durable, attractive result.
The different types of garden edging
Garden edging comes in several materials to suit every landscaping style. Rigid concrete or natural stone edging offers excellent durability and a traditional look that fits perfectly in classic gardens. Their sturdiness makes it possible to define areas effectively while withstanding bad weather.
For a more contemporary style, steel or concrete base panels are a modern, elegant alternative. These metal materials, available in different finishes, add a design touch while ensuring excellent corrosion resistance. Flexible edging made from recycled plastic is also appealing for its ease of installation and affordable price.
Prepare the ground before installation
Preparing the soil is a crucial step to ensure the edging remains stable and long-lasting. It is essential to start by marking out precisely the installation area using stakes and string. This step helps you visualise the final line and anticipate any potential difficulties related to the terrain.
The excavation should be carried out to a depth of around 15 cm, making sure to create a flat, even surface. Laying a bedding layer made of stabilised sand or fine gravel will provide a stable, free-draining base for the edging. This careful preparation will prevent future settling and deformation.
Steps for installing rigid edging
Installing rigid edging starts with creating a concrete footing to serve as the foundation. This base must be perfectly level and wide enough to accommodate the elements. It is recommended to let the concrete dry for at least 24 hours before continuing the installation.
The edging is then installed by carefully aligning each element on the footing. Jointing mortar is applied between each edging piece to ensure cohesion and stability. For a professional finish, it is advisable to use a spirit level to ensure the edging is perfectly level. Cloture Discount offers various rigid edging models to suit all garden styles.
Install flexible edging
Flexible edging has the advantage of being easily adjustable to create smooth curves in the garden. Installation begins by unrolling the edging along the previously defined line, making sure to keep even tension to avoid unsightly creases.
It is secured using anchoring stakes driven into the ground at regular intervals. For recycled plastic edging, it is advisable to install it in mild weather to make handling easier, as the material is more pliable at room temperature. Careful tamping of the soil around the edging will complete the installation.
Required tools and materials
To achieve a quality installation, it is essential to have the right tools. A spade and a pickaxe will be needed for earthworks, while a spirit level and a string line will ensure accurate alignment. A rubber mallet will allow you to gently adjust the position of the edging without damaging it.
Basic materials include concrete for the foundation footing, stabilised sand for the bedding layer, and, depending on the type of edging chosen, mortar for the joints. For flexible edging, allow for enough anchoring stakes to ensure good stability. Using a wheelbarrow will greatly facilitate transporting materials around the site.
Maintain and look after your garden edging
Regular maintenance helps extend the life of the edging and keep the garden looking its best. It is recommended to periodically inspect the joints between rigid elements and repair them if necessary, to prevent water ingress that could destabilise the whole structure.
For metal edging, annual cleaning and applying an anti-corrosion treatment may be necessary in coastal or particularly humid regions. Flexible edging, meanwhile, requires monitoring of the anchoring points, which can loosen over time due to weather variations. A simple readjustment of the stakes is usually enough to maintain stability.
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