Sustainable gardening practices are becoming increasingly popular, and choosing eco-friendly garden edging is an essential step in creating an outdoor space that reflects this value. Traditional garden edging materials like plastic and untreated timber often have significant environmental footprints. Eco-friendly options in contrast, can bring all the garden edging benefits, without the environmental cost. So what are the effective eco-friendly garden edging options? And which would be the best choice for your garden?
What are the most effective eco-friendly garden edging options?
There are a number of effective garden edging options that can bring sustainability to your landscaping. Some of the popular eco friendly options include:
- Reclaimed wood
- Natural stone
- Living borders
- FlexiBorder
Reclaimed wood garden edging
Reclaimed wood is an attractive garden edging option that emphasises the natural and rustic charm of any garden. As such, this can have a striking visual effect while also being incredibly practical, and sustainable. Reclaimed wood is wood that has been salvaged from a former purpose and given a second life as your garden edging. This can be very effective in cottage style or traditional gardens.
However, it’s important to note that reclaimed wood requires regular maintenance to prevent rot, warping, and pest damage, especially in our damp climate. As a result, while it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, its durability and longevity is not as effective as rubber edging like FlexiBorder.
Natural stone garden edging
Another natural option is stone. This offers a timeless charm, perfect for modern garden spaces, as well as more rustic or traditional styles. When sourced locally, this can be very eco-friendly, with a minimal carbon footprint when compared to other options like plastic.
However, while the attractiveness of stone borders is unmatched, this can be susceptible to cracks or movement over time, due to the heavy rainfall and frost over winter. This is also an inflexible edging option, which can restrict your creative style and landscaping design.
Living borders
Living borders are as sustainable as you can get, as these are borders made from plants. Low hedges, ornamental grasses, or creeping plants, can all be used effectively to edge your garden paths, flowerbeds, or lawns. This type of garden edging is vibrant and interesting, best suited to rustic or cottage gardens. They can encourage biodiversity, providing habitats for insects and pollinators while softening the lines of garden beds.
However, living edges require a lot of ongoing maintenance, including pruning, watering, and occasional replacement of plants. They also may not provide the structural definition that other materials offer.
FlexiBorder – The ultimate eco-friendly garden edging option
One of the most effective eco-friendly garden edging options is rubber edging like FlexiBorder. This is made from recycled tyres, and is a game-changer for eco-friendly gardening. This sustainable option cuts down on tyre waste, an international problem, and brings a number of benefits. These include:
- Durability and longevity- You can count on FlexiBorder for exceptional durability. Unlike wood, it does not rot, warp, or splinter, and it resists weathering far better than natural stone or living borders. Rubber edging is impervious to moisture, making it ideal for our rainy climate, and it can easily withstand temperature fluctuations without cracking or becoming brittle.
- Ease of installation and maintenance- FlexiBorder is lightweight and flexible, and couldn’t be easier to install. You can even create dynamic curves and add character and personality to your garden, based on your preferences. Once installed, FlexiBorder requires very little in the way of maintenance.
- Colours and styles- FlexiBorder is available in a range of colours to match the style and aesthetic design of your garden space. This means that you can choose the right option for your intended visual effect.
Why not take a look a the full range of FlexiBorder options today?
