EDGING THE LAWN

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32998, 18 August 1972, Page 21

EDGING THE LAWN

A good lawn is an asset to any garden. Its value to a property is often greatly under estimated, its virtues often appreciated and generally admired, frequently desired but less frequently achieved.

Apart from using good seed, the right mixture, providing adequate fertiliser, preparing a good surface for sowing, keeping the weeds out, mowing it properly and regularly, there is one aspect associated with turf culture which often is badly neglected — the edge, A well maintained straight edged turf can do a tremendous amount for the complete area. It not only offsets the lawn against the border, but clearly defines the boundary between the path or any other division and the grass, and is also indicative of the conscientious gardener. There are several ways to maintain a good edge. The cheapest is the natural one. This can be fashioned by initially laying down a line for the straights and using a garden hose to facilitate formation of the curves. A good straight-backed sharpedged spade can be used to cut the edge. This should not be at right angles to the lawn surface but at a slight

angle. The reason for this is to provide greater support for the edge which is thus less liable to break away under pressure; it also looks more professional than a straight drop. Once the edge has been formed it can be maintained by regularly cutting the overhanging grass and every so often manipulating the edging iron down the sides.

The cutting of grass overhanging the lawn edge must be done with care to avoid cutting out chunks of turf, the common reason why so many lawn edges tend to look a bit like a writhing snake after a while. Irrespective of how carefully the edges are cut there comes a time when they do require straightening again. A good, quick way to ensure that the edge is brought up to scratch again is to put down the line as close to the original boundary as possible. Then, utilising a long solid piece of timber as a straight edge, and laid along the line,-recut the edge with the edging iron. The board should have a bevel approximating the degree of cut desired along the lawn edge and should be pegged down at both ends to prevent it shifting while edging is being carried out.