Ideally we'd like to keep the levels the same so we don't have to level it with topsoil. We're just unsure how it would look with each sleeper being slightly staggered lower than the next.
For a difference of 18 inches over 12 metres I wouldn't bother. Just dig a clear edge between lawn and bed, fill the bed with plants and the soil levels will take care of themselves and be unnoticeable. With a vertical sleeper edge you're going to have to strim the edge to keep it neat every time you mow and it will become a rod for your own back.
My garden slopes a bit more than yours and I have laid railway sleepers level with the lawn to make a mowing strip to reduce the amount of edge maintenance needed but not to hold the soil.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Yeah, reducing the edge maintenance is kinda what we're trying to achieve along with smartening the look of the borders, sinking them flat and level with our lawn to create a mowing strip could be an option. But If your sleepers are level with your lawn are they laid on a slight angle (not level) to compensate the slope of your garden?
They are laid flat with the edge of the lawn so yes, they carry on up the slope at an angle but appear level to the eye.
Make a line with string or hosepipe to mark the edge you want to have to straighten the border, remembering that wider borders are easier on the eye than narrow ones. Then cut the turves out and use the best bits to fill in any gaps where the old bed was.
Then dig an even depth trench into which you slot the sleepers. Keep the top level with the lawn so the mower slides easily over it. You can line the trench with sharp sand to make it easier to level the sleepers.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Thanks, I think that's what we'll do. I was worried that they wouldn't look right if they were not perfectly level. But like you said the difference is only 18 inches over 12 metres. Thanks obelixx for your advice and everyone else who has commented I really appreciate it.
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Both sides. we're undecided whether to raise the bed or just have small steps down on each sleeper. what do you think would look best?
Ideally we'd like to keep the levels the same so we don't have to level it with topsoil. We're just unsure how it would look with each sleeper being slightly staggered lower than the next.
For a difference of 18 inches over 12 metres I wouldn't bother. Just dig a clear edge between lawn and bed, fill the bed with plants and the soil levels will take care of themselves and be unnoticeable. With a vertical sleeper edge you're going to have to strim the edge to keep it neat every time you mow and it will become a rod for your own back.
My garden slopes a bit more than yours and I have laid railway sleepers level with the lawn to make a mowing strip to reduce the amount of edge maintenance needed but not to hold the soil.
I'm inclined to agree with Obelixx, especially as you are on a budget. good luck whatever you decide.
They are laid flat with the edge of the lawn so yes, they carry on up the slope at an angle but appear level to the eye.
Make a line with string or hosepipe to mark the edge you want to have to straighten the border, remembering that wider borders are easier on the eye than narrow ones. Then cut the turves out and use the best bits to fill in any gaps where the old bed was.
Then dig an even depth trench into which you slot the sleepers. Keep the top level with the lawn so the mower slides easily over it. You can line the trench with sharp sand to make it easier to level the sleepers.