path / lawn edging

[daisymay]

I have seen some where some metal strips that you sink into lawn/ path edges to help keep them neat. We want to make a bark chipping path through a flower bed and I think this maybe a good option to contain the chips?!?

Has anyone used these? recommend the cheapest/ best? 

thanks

[daisymay]

[Mrs Ava]

I haven't used them (great help then Emma!), but I do think they look real sexy!  The only reason I haven't used them is the kids as I don't think they are terribly safe with little ones running around...don't like the idea of edging my lawn with a giant razor blade!  Once the kids clear off and leave home (only 20 years to go!) then I will have it everywhere!

[Delilah]

Haven't seen them but we have used wooden planks 4" x 1" and sunk them into soil to make edging but I suppose this is only useful if making straight edgings.

[daisymay]

The only reason I haven't used them is the kids as I don't think they are terribly safe with little ones running around...don't like the idea of edging my lawn with a giant razor blade! 

I did think that, but surely they wouldn't be legal if there was a danger like that with them?!?

[Merry Tiller]

but surely they wouldn't be legal if there was a danger like that with them?!?

The nanny state rears it's ugly head once more >:(

[Georgie]

I got my lawn edging from my local nursery and it's by Gardman.  I went for the loopy metal ones but they have a variety of more solid types.  Take a peep at this link. 

http://www.gardman.co.uk/asp/products_patios.asp

G xx

[Mrs Ava]

I'm sure they are safe Daisymay...maybe it is just be being a touch overprotective....or more likely, I have seen the bumps when they fall and hit their heads on the sleepers around some raised beds.....metal edging makes me a touch more nervous.

[EmmaLou]

When I worked at Ashridge College we had a some of our lawns surrounded with metal edging. I think it is great stuff - kept the gravel off the grass and also kept the edges neat. Might cost a bit, but less maintenance in the long-run!

With regards to safety, we never had a problem as the turf is set slightly above the top edge of the metal so you wouldn't hurt yourself (also helps when mowing). I'm not sure of its safety in the way you want to use it? You might be better off using a brick edging in this situation? Not saying bricks are danger free! You could use sponge! ;) lol

BTW - Thanks for the seeds! :)

[daisymay]

LOL - sponges!! very funny EmmaLou, though the way stuff is going probably will be a reality in 20 years time. Everything is becoming "dangerous"  ;D ;D

Thanks for the link Georgie, have used quite a few Gardman products in the past (inc. our greenhouse) have always been quite impressed with what you get for your money

Understand where you are coming from EmmaJane, kids are great at injuring themselves in the simplest of ways (and adults too - you are talking to the girl who broke her hand changing a duvet cover ;D) but if I sink them lower than the edges then they should be OK!! (and BTW thanks for the seeds - sweet of you to send all three types  8) :))

[Mubgrub]

My dad gave me some weird squishy green edging stuff, saying that the wood I was going to use would rot..... Not sure where he got it though ::)

[Rose.mary]

I had a look at the gardman site, but no prices ??? ???
Rosemary

[daisymay]

you cannot buy direct form them, but most garden centres stock their stuff. I think you can find out distributors on the site??? to find your local stockist???

[AikenDrum]

Take the floorboards up in your spare room and use them   :P

[AikenDrum]

Cannae help it !    ;D

[daisymay]

went looking for the Gardman stuff and found some plastic edging - 10m for £5 - bargain as the other stuff I had seen was 1m for £5!!!!! Ouch!! Hope it is going to be OK. Started putting he shape into the bed yesterday, no going back now  :)

[Mubgrub]

How do you actually install edging? I dug a little trench around my bed and stuck it in but it just flops out again. Do you fill the trench back up with soil so it lies flat against the bed or fix it with stakes?

[daisymay]

the plastic edging is a lot deeper than it needs to be, we have just been laying it along the edge of the grass, then using a peice of wood to help do a section at the time and keep it level and a hammer knocking it down till it is level below the level of the grass. It sinks in by a few inches below the level of the bed, only did a bit today but it seems to be staying in place OK.