1. How far should the additional timber sleeper be from the fence wall?
2. How deep should the trench be for a standard garden bed?
3. What to do in space under fence wall?
Thanks
Hello @Colossian
Please allow us to ask you a few more questions so that we can assist you further. Do you wish to cover the gap under the fence? The sleeper can be placed 100mm from the fence on the condition that it is reinforced with posts. The trench can be as deep as you like, it all depends on how deep you want your garden bed to be. Each sleeper is 200mm high so three of those put together will give you a raised garden bed of 600mm.
In regards to the space under fence, it is technically still open. But if you wish to cover it off then you'll need to put another piece of timber in that gap. The sleepers serve as a cover but is not attached to your fence. Hence technically the gap is still there.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Thank you, Eric, for your reply. Sorry, I don’t have much knowledge about landscaping. I’m planning to add lily pilly trees or a garden edge with plants. Mowing can be difficult at times, so I’d like to put up a barrier. What do you think are the advantages or disadvantages of covering this area?
Do you think 200mm timber would be enough, (recommended trench also please)or do you have any recommendations for a nice and affordable renovation option here?
Thank you.
Like this, but how do I create a wall to prevent the stones from falling?
#2 .
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Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Colossian. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a garden bed.Adding a barrier with Lilly Pilly trees or a garden edge with plants can make mowing and maintenance much easier, while giving your landscaping a clean, defined look. It also helps contain plants and soil within a specific area, keeping your garden organised and preventing plants from spilling onto the lawn.
If you’re aiming to replicate the look in your inspiration images, dig down to match the depth of the edging you plan to use. Setting the pavers or edging stones in a mortar base will keep them stable and prevent shifting over time. Alternatively, you could use 200mm timber sleepers on their side to create a sturdy edging. For this, dig a trench around 200mm deep and slightly wider than the sleeper (about 50mm) to fit it in. Once in position, secure the sleepers with pegs or posts to hold them firmly in place.
A point to consider is that weeds can sometimes grow through pebbles or mulch in these areas, which may require some maintenance. To reduce this, I’d recommend laying down a weed mat before adding the pebbles. This will act as a barrier to prevent weeds from sprouting while allowing water to drain through.
For an affordable and low-maintenance option, we also offer a range of concrete edging that could work well for your project. This will give a neat finish and help with easy maintenance.Please let me know if you have any questions.Mitchell
I appreciate your time and response! If I’m going to add concrete edging, I’ll start by leveling the ground. I’ll place ready-mix concrete at the base, but should I also add gravel?
How far should the concrete be from the neighbor’s fence wall? The ground is slightly uneven.
I suggest looking at Bastion 20kg Premix Concrete. It is a high strength concrete mix suitable for structural application for use when a smooth texture is required.
The space between your fence and the concrete edging depends on the type of plant you'll be purchasing. A small dwarf shrub you'll probably need 300mm, a midsized screening plant may be 500mm or more and a tree means that you''ll need a half circle that is least 1 meter from the fence. But if you are only putting in pebbles a space of 250mm - 300mm should be sufficient.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Alright, thank you very much for your responses. Do you have a list of low-maintenance plants available at Bunnings?
Hi @Colossian,
We have a wonderful range of low-maintenance plants that would be perfect along a fence line. Options like Lilly Pilly are ideal for creating a dense, attractive screen, with various types available depending on the height and look you’re after. Murraya is another hardy choice that produces fragrant white flowers and can be easily shaped into a hedge or left to grow more naturally. Agapanthus is also popular for its resilience, with minimal upkeep and vibrant blooms that add a splash of colour. For ground cover, Native Violets provide a lush, low-growing option with small flowers, helping to suppress weeds and soften the area around taller plants.
With so many varieties, it would be helpful to know more about what you’d like to achieve in this space. Are you looking to add colour, create a screen for privacy, or perhaps just add some greenery with minimal effort? These details will help narrow down the best options for your garden. Let me know, and I’d be glad to recommend plants that best suit your vision.
Mitchell
perhaps just add some greenery with minimal effort? Yes ,this one please.
Thanks for letting me know @Colossian. If you're aiming to add some greenery with minimal effort, I'd recommend looking into plants like Buxus (Boxwood), which is an excellent low-maintenance option for creating a neat, evergreen hedge. It thrives in a variety of conditions and requires little care once established. It's also great for shaping and maintaining a tidy look along your fence line.
Before I start the renovation, here’s what I plan to do:
1. Sleeper timber (what height do you recommend?) on the sides, and put pebbles in the middle.If I use bricks instead, would that be better?
2. The soil is a bit soft; what should I do to make it more stable if I’m going to use timber or bricks?
If I add artificial turf or grass, what should I consider first for soft soil?
3. What should the height of the soil be on the side of the retaining wall?
4. What other recommendations do you have for low maintenance?
First, regarding the choice between timber sleepers or bricks for the garden edging, both have their benefits, but the decision ultimately comes down to the aesthetic you're going for and the level of maintenance you're comfortable with. Timber sleepers are easier to work with, blend well into natural landscapes, and are simpler to replace if needed. They do require periodic maintenance to prevent weathering, but they tend to be the more flexible and cost-effective option. Bricks, on the other hand, offer a more rigid, formal appearance and provide a stable, long-lasting edge, but they’re harder to install and can shift over time if not properly laid in a solid foundation.
When stabilising soft soil for timber or bricks, it’s essential to compact the ground before installing your edging. You can do this by using a hand tamper or a soil compactor to ensure the soil is firm enough to support the weight of the sleepers or bricks. If you’re opting for bricks, you'll need a solid base, so consider laying down a layer of crushed gravel to ensure the bricks stay in place on their mortar bed. Likewise, if you intend to add artificial turf, you'll need a compacted base.
For the soil height against your retaining wall, this will depend on how much soil you’re planning to add and the type of plants you're using. Typically, you'll want the soil level to be a few centimetres lower than the top of the retaining wall to allow for drainage. Adding too much soil could cause it to spill over, so aim for a gradual slope from the wall to the edge of the garden bed.
Finally, as for the low-maintenance options, since you're aiming for a garden that's easy to manage, I recommend looking into hardy plants like Buxus (Boxwood) for a neat, evergreen hedge, or Agapanthus for colourful, resilient blooms that require little care. These plants are both attractive and practical for a low-maintenance garden, providing a defined look while minimising the need for regular upkeep.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
