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Edging

RekusuRekusu Posts: 125
in Garden design
What ho one and all,

As edging between the soil and gravel path, we originally used 4x1 tanalised timer which I gave a coat of black wood preservative.  Looks good when new but as it is rubbish, fast growing wood, it does not have longevity when in the ground.

It lasted about 5 years before I had to renew it all.  Five years later, and not surprisingly, it is rotting again. 


Does anyone have great things to endorse it?  Or even negative.

Vertically, how flexible is it?  We currently have a 5cm difference in height from the gravel to the soil and I do wonder if the 2mm thickens will bend in time.

Grateful for any suggestions.

I am happy to use wood again but would like something that will last longer than five years!!!

Thanks and toodle pip



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Posts

  • Cambridgerose12Cambridgerose12 Posts: 1,134
    The plastic will last a bit longer than the wood but not a lot. With a 2mm thickness there will also be cracks and splinters. Have you thought of something like railway sleepers?

    A metal edging is probably going to have a longer lease of life, or else you could go for a salvage yard for some tiles. This is what Victorians used and 100+ years later they are still going strong.

    This article has some suggestions:
    https://www.gardenersworld.com/product-guides/growing/lawn-edging-ideas-to-keep-grass-out/
  • rossdriscoll13rossdriscoll13 Posts: 234
    @Rekusu have you thought about edging made from recycled car tyres such as FlexiBorder, others are available.  You can get various different colours. 
  • rowlandscastle444rowlandscastle444 Posts: 2,612
    I came across one householder removing some of his 2x8 beams, which I procured for the garden. They are indeed, rotting heavily, after 10 years. He was also replacing his slate roof, with a tiled one. I got his permission to take those too. Sadly, they didn't last as long.

    Certainly tiles are more weather proof, but I think they don't look so good. Bricks have been good - but you need more of them, and you need to plug the gaps.

    I avoid plastic, because they pollute the soil, and definitely become brittle in the sun. 
  • greatnorthernexoticgreatnorthernexotic Posts: 119
    Corten steel seems like the best option to me (I'm doing mine at the minute). It's relatively expensive, but longer term should pay for itself.
    Growing tropical and desert plants outdoors in West Yorkshire
    INSTAGRAM/ YOUTUBE
  • RekusuRekusu Posts: 125
    Seen the powers that be in National Trust properties using corten, but they have a different budget to myself.

    Regarding my timber edging rooting, I can only assume it is related to the soil condition.  Went for a wander in the RHS Wisley the morning.  They have a lot of timber edging and it does not appear to be degrading as mine does.  But I guess they don't have a London clay soil.
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    Personally, I'd go for something in terracotta, or bricks - easy to move if necessary, sturdy, won't rot, looks good.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    That looks like the stuff I have used.  It's been OK so far and in place for about 3 years.  To install it I rolled it out and weighted it to flatten it.  A few hours in the sun (if we get any) helped that process.  10 metres of the stuff flapping about does make getting in place a little challenging at times.
  • M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
    I considered something similar but the material and price put me off. I went for gravel board which is pre-treated. Additionally I painted the boards for continuing protection. I like straight lines in my edging, so perhaps the gravel board idea may not suit you. Or, for more flexibility, perhaps bricks may be another option, half sunk into the ground. 
    I wish I could garden all year round!
  • RekusuRekusu Posts: 125
    Have some bends and gravel boards would be 'challenging.'  As it is, I have to cut some slots into the 4x1 to bend them.  Probably would not have to if they were better timber, but as fast growing c**p they are full on knots which is where the boards snap.

    Have considered bricks but quite expensive and a lot of work.  Also, not really the 'rustic' look that my wife wants in the garden.
  • M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
    edited April 2023
    Slatted edging


    Brick on its side


    Flexible edging but costly


    Log roll edging



    Brick laid flat

    Flexi metal edging
     

    Rock edging

    I wish I could garden all year round!
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