Creating a Garden Edge by Jeremy and Amanda Batsche
@sanantoniogardening
Mulch spilling over the gravel walkway, Bermuda grass creeping into the vegetable bed threatening to choke the tomatoes, and gravel walkways swept away by running water create a feeling of chaos in the garden that is not sustainable. The overwhelm can quickly set in, leaving one to abandon their project altogether. Creating order by defining garden spaces and boundaries helps to establish a structure that allows both garden and gardener to thrive. Such structure is often formed by creating garden edges. Edges define space and organize gardens. They create tidy yet cohesive garden spaces that minimize maintenance and make gardening an achievable endeavor. Most importantly, a thoughtfully integrated and neatly organized space contributes to how a person feels while in their garden. Rather than being a place of stress and work, the garden becomes an inviting and
engaging place of peace with positive energy.
decision to use these edges.
A garden edge does not have to be the edging you find in your local garden and home improvement store. A garden edge can be unique to garden and gardener. There are many different styles, materials, and situations to consider when installing garden edges. The options in creating a garden edge are almost endless and can be a great way to exercise your creativity.
Metal edging is what people traditionally think of when it comes to garden edging, and the first edging I installed in my garden was a metal edge that defined the small chunk of space between the sidewalk and street in front of my house. I used something similar to a prefabricated steel edging you can find at a home improvement and gardening store. My purpose was to create a low maintenance garden the did not require a lot of gardening, so I designed a crushed granite xeriscape with native plants like feather grasses, mountain laurel, lantana, and a few varieties of cactus. When it came to deciding on a garden edge, I needed something thin that would keep the gravel from washing down the street during heavy rainfall. I also liked the aesthetic of the sharp and square corners and edges. It may not be the best edging with young
To plan a garden edge, it is helpful to begin with purpose and vision. This will help to narrow the materials you need to create your garden edge. Factors like budget, safety, and function will also influence your decisions. These factors can inspire rather than limit your creative potential. There are a few different types of edging that I have used in my garden. Structure and purpose, followed by safety and budget, influenced my
Traditional Metal Edge
Cultivate SA | 51
