3 metal edging ideas to help your small garden appear bigger
Having a small garden doesn't mean you have to compromise on style or functionality. With the right design tricks, you can create the illusion of more space and make your compact outdoor oasis appear larger than it actually is.
One effective way to achieve this is by using metal edging techniques that define and separate different areas of your garden. In this blog post, we'll explore three metal edging ideas that can help maximise the perceived space in your garden.
1. Utilise curved metal edging
Curved metal edging is a simple yet highly effective technique to create the illusion of space in your small garden. Instead of using straight lines, opt for gentle curves when defining the borders of your lawn or flowerbeds. Curved edges are visually appealing and draw the eye along their graceful lines, making your garden appear larger and more dynamic.
To create curved metal edging, be sure to:
- Use a garden hose or a length of rope to mark out the desired curves.
- Dig a shallow trench along the marked line, following the curves closely.
- Install your chosen edging material along the trench.
- Backfill with soil to secure the edging in place.
- Plant low-growing flowers or ground covers along the curved border to soften the edges and enhance the illusion of space.
2. Break up space with metal pathway edging
In the quest to make your small garden appear more spacious and inviting, consider the addition of metal edged pathways. These pathways, whether constructed with gravel or paving, can work wonders in breaking up the space and directing the eye toward various garden features. The result? An illusion of greater expanse and endless exploration. Here's how edged pathways can make your garden appear larger to the eye:
- Optical illusion: The clear borders created by pathway edging play tricks on the eyes. The contrast between the pathway and the surrounding garden makes it seem as though your garden extends farther than it actually does, creating the illusion of a larger outdoor space.
- Creating visual interest: Edged pathways immediately draw attention, adding structure and visual interest to your garden. They serve as a focal point and guide visitors through your outdoor space, creating a sense of purpose and exploration.
- Defining boundaries: Pathway edging helps define the boundaries of different garden areas. By clearly separating the pathway from flowerbeds, lawns, or other features, you create distinct zones within your garden, making it appear larger and more organised.
3. Consider raising and edging flower beds to add dimension
When it comes to creating the illusion of more space, dimension is our friend. Raised beds can be a game-changer in this situation, adding various heights to your landscape that divert the eye. Meaning these elevated garden areas not only provide a practical solution for planting but also contribute significantly to the perception of space and depth in your garden.
By creating raised beds of varying heights and sizes, you introduce a multi-tiered layout to your garden. This tiered effect adds visual interest and depth, making your garden look more expansive than it actually is. Each level can host different plants, adding variety and texture to your outdoor space and can be finished with metal edging for a professional look.
Metal edging from the experts at Kinley
Metal edging is the ideal way to add shape and style to your landscape or garden. It is made of strong aluminium and steel, so it will endure for years with little to no care needed. Installation is fast and easy, so you can admire your lovely garden in no time. With its neat, smooth lines, Kinley provides a contemporary look that will improve any outdoor space.
We are a leading UK designer, innovator, and manufacturer of steel and aluminium landscape edging products. For more information on our full range of products, inspiration for your future projects and technical resources to help you specify and install metal edging, speak to one of our advisors today – we’re always happy to help.
