Pathway edging helps define garden space and style

Having strong defined edges in the garden creates obvious zones and establishes style. Long straight edges and broad pathways provide formality and strength. Gentle curves suggest informality and can encourage a sense of discovery while shorter lengths of pathways which zig zag are all about exploring.

Edges can be made from hard landscape materials or living plants. They can be flush, protruding above the ground even creating tall barriers. Hedges both large and small are effective as well as a drift of plants.

There is an array of materials available to make the perfect edge in your garden. Large boulders are easily located around Dunedin and have been put to good effect in the Rock Garden where they are fitted together in strong lines parallel to the hill. Old stone blocks cut from Port Chalmers quarries, line several of the hill’s bush tracks as does large, blasted quarry rock. In some areas, old power poles and railway sleepers can be seen and treated sawn timber is used throughout the garden.

A common form of edging is to simply cut through grass. It costs nothing, is quick and easy to maintain and looks excellent. To make a lawn edge more robust, cut at an angle leaving it wider at the base. Cutting to a depth of 5-10cm should be enough to prevent your garden soil and mulch from spilling over onto the lawn.

Garden Life is produced by Dunedin Botanic Garden.

For further information contact Marianne Groothuis