Give your lawn the edge

The right lawn edging offers easy maintenance, keeping grass at bay while delivering a crisp, well-defined and stylish finish. 

Lawn edging does more than contain grass – it shapes the garden, highlights beds and paths and sets the tone for the overall design. From the warm, traditional look of brick to the sleek modernity of metal, edging can create formal symmetry, accentuate naturalistic curves or add a clean, contemporary edge, giving the garden a polished, cohesive appearance. 



Choosing the right edging is a balance of style and practicality: consider your budget, desired look, ease of installation and maintenance.

A spade edge gives a sharp, tidy finish.

Using your spade

A spade edge is a traditional, low-cost way to create a neat boundary. Using your spade, cut a shallow trench about 15-20cm deep along the lawn edge. Make the cut straight, creating a crisp line that prevents grass from spilling into the bed. This technique is easy to maintain lasting several months before it needs refreshing. Sharpen your spade to make the job easier with a cleaner finish.

 

Set it with stone 

Sawn stone offers a premium, long-lasting option for edges. It’s natural durability and understated elegance create a crisp, refined boundary. Perfect for gardens aiming for a colonial, formal or high-end aesthetic, sandstone edging adds sophistication but worth noting, it comes at a higher price point.

Stone introduces a sophisticated, tailored edge that elevates traditional and high-end garden designs.

Bricks create a structured, timeless edge.

Favourite kiln-baked bricks

These became popular for lawn edges soon after their introduction in the 1800s.  Their durability, solidity and affordability still make them a go-to choice today. Bricks can be installed vertically, horizontally or at a 45° angle in a saw-tooth pattern. In every case, they should be set in a shallow trench and stabilised with a concrete footing.

Timber frames the garden with warmth and texture.

The warmth of timber

Timber brings warmth and natural character to the garden, suiting both relaxed and more structured designs. Railway sleepers add a rustic, grounded charm that works beautifully in informal settings. Modern timber choices are designed with safety and durability in mind. H4-treated radiata pine resists rot and performs well, including around edible gardens. Aged spotted gum hardwood offers rich colour and longevity, while callitris (Murrumbidgee pine) is a durable premium option. Simply dig a shallow trench and set the timber in place – its rigidity makes it ideal for straight edges and clean lines.

Modern steel edging, like this Shapescaper Corten steel, delivers a crisp, contemporary garden finish.

Metal for a modern look 

Metal edging has seen major innovation in recent years, with products like Shapescaper Corten steel leading the way. Available in a variety of depths, Corten matures to a warm, bronze patina over time, making it ideal for flexible lawn edges, raised garden beds and modular planters. Galvanised steel options are also popular – typically sold in packs of five panels (99cmx15cm) with built-in spikes for easy installation using a simple locking system. Durable, sleek and low-maintenance, metal edging combines functionality with a striking modern finish.

Plastic keeps edges neat with a practical, low-profile finish

Always flexible Plastic

Plastic edging is flexible, practical, and low-maintenance, making it ideal for both curved and straight lines. Available in rolls, it can be installed at ground level for a quick, tidy border or set into the soil for a more permanent, discreet finish. Lightweight and easy to shape, it keeps soil and mulch in place while preventing grass from creeping into beds. It finishes well with a variety of lawn styles, offering both function and a clean look.

MAKING IT EASY 

Keep your garden edges neat with the right tool. Read on!

LINE TRIMMER 

Flexible and quick, perfect for curves or hard-to-reach spots.

EDGER (ELECTRIC OR PETROL) 

Precise and clean, ideal for straight lines along paths and beds. 

HALF-MOON EDGER

For controlled, accurate cuts – no power required. A classic hand tool.