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Garden edging on sloped garden

AJones33AJones33 Posts: 16
edited April 2020 in Garden design
Hi there
 I hope everyone is keeping well. 
We have recently moved house and we are now trying to do what we can to make the garden enjoyable and presentable. We plan to have some landscape work done in about 3 years - so for now it’s us doing the work to get it up to a decent enough standard.

We have carved out a 25 foot bed along the length of a part of the garden, and would like to add wood (timber sleepers/posts) between the edge of the lawn and the bed. The garden slopes down a little and so the bed slopes down too. What would be the best way to do this? Could we lay the sleepers so they slope? Or should we try and level underneath where we place the sleepers?

I like the idea of the edging being the same height all the way along the bed (eg 3-4 inches above ground level). Or better yet sunk in. Do you think this could work?

any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated 

thanks 

Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Something like this ...

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    If the bed slopes at the same gradient as the lawn and you don't need a raised bed, you can embed the sleepers flush with the surface, at the same gradient, as a sort of edging / mowing strip. 

    See the source image
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • AJones33AJones33 Posts: 16
    Thank you! The flush effect is what I’m after. It look really nice. We’d go for something a bit narrower as our garden is quite narrow. The bed slopes at the same gradient as the lawn. 

    Do you think we need to lay anything under the sleepers before placing them in the area? 

    Thanks 
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    edited April 2020
    Up to you. Sleepers will last for years but you could put damp proof course under them or a heavy plastic such as pond lining. You dont need a foundation as they are heavy enough to stay put. Try to get it level before you lay them as they are very heavy to move again.
    I don't think sleepers come any narrower though.
  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,145
    If you go with 'new' pine sleepers as per the photo be aware that they will eventually rot-out with three sides continually drawing in moisture in that arrangement. Even though they are pressure treated this environment will accelerate their demise. For a single height layout you won't achieve much with a base although some type 1 might help sit them proud of damp ground below.
  • AJones33AJones33 Posts: 16
    ah I see. I don’t suppose you have any recommendations of where I’d be able to get ones that will last longer/ what type I should be on the lock out for?

    I did thank that perhaps we could use treated fence posts if I wanted to a achieve the narrower border? 

    Thanks
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Our local timber merchant sells fencing and old sleepers as do a few fence suppliers but as always let Google be your guide.
    If I remember sleepers are approx 100 x 200cm x 2.4m long so you could have them narrow side up.
  • AJones33AJones33 Posts: 16
    That’s really helpful. Thank you 
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Does it have to be wood? If you want to keep it narrow, I’m thinking granite setts, usually around 10x10cm in section and 20cm long, laid lengthways and sunk in would be narrow, look very smart and never rot. Rather more work in the preparation, laying and mortaring but a doable diy job.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
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