6 step-by-step tips for great garden edging

One of the easiest ways to add structure to your yard is by clearly defining your garden edging. Installing landscape edging is an easy DIY project that can enhance the aesthetics of your yard by separating the lawn from the garden bed. It not only looks great, but requires little to no maintenance. Garden edging can mean the difference between a good garden and a great garden. Better yet, with the right tools, garden edging can be a quick and easy DIY project. I recommend using a product such as Lawn Edge Blocks by Adbri Masonry as they are DIY friendly like a traditional brick, but are purpose made for garden edging. The blocks can be installed two ways, one way to create a higher edge or the other way for a ready-made mowing strip which means less time doing edges. The best part about having a higher edge is that it quickly and clearly stops turf runners from creeping into your plants. An edge can be made using various products, including plastic edging, bricks, steal and pavers. I like the look and feel of coloured concrete edges which can match up with your paving. I’ll be focusing on how to implement a concrete block edge using the Lawn Edge Blocks.    

1.   Separating the garden from the lawn

After marking your area, use a spade to cut away at the soil where the lawn and the garden bed currently meet. Continue for the length of your edge and make sure it is deep enough to accommodate your road base, sand and cement mix and Lawn Edge Block. You want the lawn edge flush with the grass when complete to make mowing an absolute breeze.

2.   Creating a base

In the newly formed trench, install the road base to a depth of approximately 50mm to 75mm. Compact this with either a heavy implement or walk over it continually to make sure the road base settles completely.

3.   Placement of the Lawn Edge Blocks

Before you lay your wet mixture (next step), place the units down to make sure the joints are nice and even. It is really important to implement this step, especially if there are any angles or curvatures within the edging that may be tricky to coordinate. Where necessary with curves, cut your units with a small masonry grinder or brick saw to suit your handy design. Remember your safety equipment!

   

4.   Time to mix

Mix your sand and cement to a ratio of 6:1 and then add water slowly to create a firm yet damp consistency.

5.   Let’s make it stick

When you are happy with the placement of the Lawn Edge Blocks, lifting one up at a time, place a generous amount of your sand and cement mix under the unit and spread evenly. You can level with either a timber or steel float. Before placing the units back down on top of the mud mixture wet the underside of the unit with water. Continue this process the whole way along the unit edging and check for level from unit to unit.

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Tip: It is important to wet each unit before placing it in the sand and cement mixture to aid in adhesion between the bedding material and the lawn edge.

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6.   The finished product

Once the Lawn Edge Blocks have set into place sit back, relax and admire your handy work.