So I Read About This Idea For Inexpensive Edging...

[sorcerormickey]

I was lurking thru some gardening forums elsewhere and came across a suggestion of using gutter flashing as edging for flower/garden beds. I have been trying to figure out what I could use relatively inexpensively, as I have hundreds of feet I need to edge. I was thinking of using landscape timbers, but I have so many curves that it would take forever just do all the cutting necessary. I have no natural elements (rock, etc..) that I could use, and I am really tired of that black plastic cheapy stuff. Plus, all of my landscape lighting is made of copper, so I was thinking copper flashing might be a nice tie in (although you would not see much sticking out above the beds.)

Since it is made of metal (aluminum, copper, etc.) wouldn't it transfer heat into the ground? I wonder what effect that would have on the soil (loss of moisture, etc..) What do you guys think?

Thanks Buds!

 

[marydmjj]

I have no idea what it would do to the ground but it sounds really pretty.

 

[Snowwark]

Sorcerormickey, copper is fairly expensive 'up here' (I don't know about the prices in the States), and for such a large area, would be cost prohibitive.

I would think it's effects on the soil would be minimal, but I really don't know.

I'm sure you've looked at all sorts of options, but hey, what the heck, here's more!

Check out this BH&G link for a slide show of edging options.

~Edging Ideas~

The very first one, a deep cut edge with a flower border, looks good! A possible option for your bed(s) that are furthest away from your viewing area.

I'm not overly fond of the recycled bottle edging.....

 

[sorcerormickey]

Snowwark- You're not fond of the bottle edging? But why? It is BEAUTIFUL!! LOL

I have yet to price out the copper rolls of flashing, but I know the aluminum rolls are very inexpensive, about $20 for a roll of 60' by 10" that could be cut lengthwise for two rolls of 60' by 5". Plus, they have all those great metallic paints out now, I'm sure I could find copper paint if I wanted that look.

My favorite of the BHG ones is the brick mowing strip - so pretty. But, it would be so expensive too. Not a lot of recycled brick either down here in the land of stucco! You need an actual physical barrier, as the St. Augustine lawn grass spreads via runners on top of the soil, otherwise, the cut edge with flower border would be really pretty too.

Well, I am off to Lowe's today or tomorrow to do some pricing and maybe get some other ideas as well.

Thanks Buds!
-Julie

 

[Snowwark]

Snowwark- You're not fond of the bottle edging? But why? It is BEAUTIFUL!! LOL

"Infuse your garden with a funky, down-home look with an edging made from colored glass bottles."

I've always had trouble with funky.... But, as they say, different strokes for different folks, or in this case, different cokes for different folks!

Let us know what you discover, Julie!

 

[FroggyinArk]

there are some nice concrete edgings that are fairly inexpensive, i would hesitate to use aluminum flashing to edge beds, as its a thin metal,, and if you hit it with the weedeater or mower its history,, (its about the thicknesss of an aluminum can, try hitting one of thoise with weedeater,) the galvanmized will leach into the soil, not ssure what the effects would be, but it is a chemical, you might check aroiund at diffferent contractors, they might be tearing down a building and have used brick reasonably priced, or, maybe even torn up concrete that can be painted and resembles rock,, wish you were here,, lol,, i have several truck loads of concrete chunks i need to get rid of



you could always buy up a bunch of old tires,, that seems to still be acceptable edging in parts of the south ttoo( j/k. pleaes dont use tires)

 

[Safari Queen]

I've seen beautiful edging done with chunks of concrete hauled off construction sites. The nicest look was stacked "stone" walls to create raised beds, but I bet you could lay small chunks out into a mowing strip like a narrow crazy quilt. The magazines always say builders are happy to have you come take it away.

 

[Snowwark]

there are some nice concrete edgings that are fairly inexpensive, i would hesitate to use aluminum flashing to edge beds, as its a thin metal,, and if you hit it with the weedeater or mower its history,, (its about the thicknesss of an aluminum can, try hitting one of thoise with weedeater,) the galvanmized will leach into the soil, not ssure what the effects would be, but it is a chemical, you might check aroiund at diffferent contractors, they might be tearing down a building and have used brick reasonably priced, or, maybe even torn up concrete that can be painted and resembles rock,, wish you were here,, lol,, i have several truck loads of concrete chunks i need to get rid of



you could always buy up a bunch of old tires,, that seems to still be acceptable edging in parts of the south ttoo( j/k. pleaes dont use tires)

Would old tires qualify as funky?


Welcome FroggyinArk, and Safari Queen!!

It's great to have you join us!!

Kim

 

[FroggyinArk]

Would old tires qualify as funky?


Welcome FroggyinArk, and Safari Queen!!

It's great to have you join us!!

Kim

i think the whittewashed tires would be retro not funky or rednecktro maybe?

 

[Snowwark]

Rednecktro!! LOL, love it!!

 

[sorcerormickey]

OK, between Snowwark's bottles and Froggy's tires, I think my yard would be FABULOUS!!!

 

[Snowwark]

OK, between Snowwark's bottles and Froggy's tires, I think my yard would be FABULOUS!!!

You must post a pic, Julie!!!!

 

[FroggyinArk]

debates surrounding a whitewashed tire with old bottles and beer cans( ok sodas since i dont drink beer) planting it, and taking a picture just to post here:yes:

 

[FroggyinArk]

hmmm now where to find some old beer bottles.......................