Separating grass from flowers

While we all love our beautiful, green lawns, keeping them where they belong can sometimes be a nuisance. No one wants their grass taking over their flower or vegetable gardens but what can be done to prevent it? VIRIDIS Lawn Care can help you determine the best way for you to keep your lawn in check so your gardens can flourish, unhindered by grass. Below are a few different ideas on how to separate your landscaping.

Since most problems with grass getting into gardens is due to the nature of grass spreading underground, using raised beds for flower or vegetable gardening can easily reduce or eliminate grass in these gardens. Elevating them off the ground or laying a protective covering down before filling with mulch and dirt can keep the grass from entering your garden.

Use an edging material such as steel, fiberglass, vinyl or plastic that is made specifically for keeping grass out. Many are not tall enough to entirely keep grass from growing underneath but can definitely slow and reduce the grass that reaches your garden. Install this material properly, making sure to dig deeply enough to set it in nearly its full height. Leave some above the ground or the grass may grow right over it. Ideally, it should be set at least 4 inches underground with a minimum of 1 inch left above ground. This can be covered with rock, brick, or most anything else to add a more finished or decorative look but by themselves, these more attractive materials are insufficient to keep grass in check.

Another alternative involves trenching. One method of trenching, referred to as the “English border,” creates a barrier that is more attractive than other trenching methods. Simply dig along the border between your grass and bed, creating a straight cut on the lawn side and throw the dirt up onto the bed, causing it to slope downward to the bottom of the trench.  This “gap” is easily maintained, looks crisp, and best of all, prohibits grass and weed growth.

A similar approach involves digging a larger trench, about 6 inches deep and 4 inches wide. Then fill the gap with shredded newspaper mixed with water. You should force in as much as possible. Weeds and grass will be unable to grow through this for up to a year. It can be covered with mulch or rocks, etc. in order to improve the appearance. This alternative is also environmentally friendly as newspaper decomposes whereas similar edging method materials are often made of plastics. It, however, will need redone every spring.

Keeping a separation between lawn and garden can improve your landscape’s appearance and your flower and vegetable’s health. Keeping the grass where it belongs will insure you can have all the enjoyment from your home you desire.