Want a simple but effective way to make your lawn stand out in the neighborhood? Try creating a razor-sharp edge.
Not only does it look crispy and great, but a clean edge separates the grass and garden, preventing them from creeping into each other’s space. Plus, it’s fun to do!
“But creating and maintaining an edge is expensive and difficult.”
Well, not always. If you are trying to avoid the expenses of brick, stone, and other premium edging products, there’s a totally natural way to do it. And you are right. Maintaining a brick or stone edge with a mower is hard work and time-consuming.
Although you can trim over plastic or metal edging, these products don’t look that great - which defeats one of the purposes of creating an edge in the first place. Moreover, they easily pop out of the ground in extreme temperatures, detracting from your lawn’s beautiful look and requiring additional effort to keep them in place.
You could use wood, but wood rots over time; you will have to replace it. Wood also doesn’t bend, so you’re stuck with a uniform, straight line that steals your desired natural look.
The cost-effective, totally natural edging method
Forget metal edging, plastic edging, brick edging, or any edging materials of any kind. The completely natural way to create a neat edge without costing anything more than a few hours of sweat is called the “Victorian trench.”
Steps for creating Victorian trench edging
Gather your tools and materials, such as spade, organic mulch, hose, and rope.
Using a garden hose or marking paint, mark out the edge curve or lines you want to create.
Use a flat-edged shovel to make a 90-degree cut into the turf, about 3-4 inches deep along the outer edge.
In the direction of the border, make a 45-degree cut to join the bottom of the first cut. The result is a trench straight on the lawn’s side and at a 45-degree angle on the border.
Remove the soil and add mulch, allowing it to spill over the edge of the trench to create a gentle slope.
Maintaining your natural edging
At least once a year, check for plant growing where it shouldn’t. If you find border plants growing on the lawn and grass on the side of the border, pull them out completely. Also, natural mulch breaks down over time, so you will have to replenish them every few years.
Beautify your lawn with natural edging
Now, you know how to create an aesthetically pleasing natural divider. If you need professional help or have more questions about creating natural edging or other landscaping tasks, kindly contact us.