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Hi,
Completely open to suggestions with this question. 
I have a small area in my garden which has over time worn down where hose goes across it. Now this is probably an error in my initial garden layout but it is what it is! I have an informal native garden and the shrub you can see in the pic is a Callistemon which has probably another .5m to go width ways.
I'm open to a hard landscaping solution - as in perhaps an arc of edging or a smooth rock (?) as well as a planting of something. I do have corflute tree guards which I could put around to protect anything until bigger. I have thought of a simple post, (or maybe a few in an arc) that the hose could go around but I think I would probably trip on and I would like to have a solution that integrates with the garden.
I do have a lovely big branch from a snow gum that would look lovely there but it would just snag the hose I think.
Thank you for any ideas!
Cheers,
Carole
Hi @cassy1,
I love the idea of using the snowgum branch here, especially if it has a natural arc. Iit will give the space a really organic, sculptural feel. Cutting it into 60cm sections and laying them along that arc would also work beautifully, and it’ll let you control the curve while keeping a sense of movement. To prevent the hose from snagging, I’d suggest running some steel garden edging along the outside of the arc, hard up against the branch. A rust-coloured finish would contrast beautifully with the pale snowgum and give a natural, rustic touch while creating a neat, defined edge. I'd recommend the Jack 1180 x 130mm Outdoor Oxy Shield Garden Edging. The hose can just run along that edging without catching on anything, which is practical but still visually integrated.
Behind this “feature line,” you could plant a few low- to medium-height natives like kangaroo paw, or perhaps some small Lomandra or Westringia to create a fuller backdrop and add some texture. Over time, as the plants fill in, the branch arc will feel like it’s naturally part of the garden rather than something put in afterwards. It’s a mix of hard and soft landscaping that looks intentional and works with the informal native style.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Yes, it does curve easily @cassy1 as it's only 1mm thick, though still rigid enough to form a solid edging. You shouldn't have any issue creating that sweeping curve with it. Once the curve is determined, you hold it in place with these Jack 300 x 80mm Oxy-Shield Edging Stakes. However, the other option is this Jack 1180 x 45mm Outdoor Oxy Shield Flexible Garden Edging, which is held in place with pegs. This version might be slightly easier to establish a gentle curve.
Mitchell
My only concern would be that, because it uses 80mm-wide edging stakes, you might not be able to achieve as smooth a bend as with the flexible version, @cassy1. Every place where there is a stake, it is going to want to force the edging straight.
Mitchell
That could be an issue @cassy1, unless at the ends it ducks in under a plant.
That Edgin could be used, but you'd have much the same issue with finishing it off. If you don't oil the Merbau it will grey naturally over a few years .
Mitchell
