The layout of your garden largely depends on how you define and separate different zones. Using borders is an effective method to delineate and separate a soil area from a gravel area, while adding an aesthetic touch to your outdoor space. By wisely choosing suitable materials and following a few technical principles, you can create a harmonious and functional transition between these two types of surfaces. In this article, we will explore the best techniques for using borders, thereby maximizing the visual impact and practicality of your landscaping.
Why use borders in your garden?
Garden borders play a crucial role. They allow you to separate the lawn from the pathways or to distinguish soil areas and gravel areas. Beyond their practical aspect, they add aesthetic value to your outdoor layout. Whether to form pretty paths or to delineate spaces dedicated to plants, borders offer a versatile and effective solution.
Which materials to choose for your garden borders?
There is a variety of materials for your garden borders, each with its specific advantages:
- Corten steel: This robust material has a unique color similar to rusted metal. Thanks to its strength and durability, it is ideal for straight configurations and requires no special maintenance.
- Galvanized steel: Used for flexible borders, this material suits all kinds of geometric shapes and is perfect for retaining soil moisture without polluting the ground.
- Raw aluminum: Lightweight and easy to handle, raw aluminum is ultra-resistant and requires no maintenance. It allows you to structure green spaces with a touch of modernity.
- Wood logs: For a more natural option, wood logs are effective to delineate soil and gravel areas. Keep in mind however that you should wait a month before planting near the logs.
Ideal plants to enhance your borders
You can decorate your borders with long-flowering plants such as everlasting flowers, hyssop, lavender, or hardy geranium. These plants not only add color but also retain the soil of your flowerbeds.
Vegetal borders: a wise choice?
Vegetal borders are an excellent alternative to delineate different zones of your garden. Choose dense or low perennial plants like carnations, aubrietas, and dwarf bellflowers that serve as good separators between soil and gravel. Don’t forget however that they require regular maintenance.
Level differences between lawn and gravel path
If the level difference between your lawn and your gravel is significant, installing borders made of Corten steel or aluminum planks is recommended. These materials are not only aesthetic but also retain the stones, preventing the elements from mixing.
Plan a minimum height of 1.5 times that of the finishing stone bed. For Corten steel borders, one third of their height must be buried.
Creating a clean strip
A clean strip is essential to avoid splashes of soil on your house during heavy rainfalls. It is created in several steps:
- Excavating the soil to a depth of 20 to 30 cm
- Installing drains to preserve the foundations and stop rising damp
- Placing a bed of crushed stone and geotextile
- Installing borders to separate the lawn and gravel
- Placing the final finishing stones (pebbles, decorative rocks, slate chips)
By following these steps, you will be able to create a harmonious and functional exterior while protecting your house from the weather.