The Outdoor Lover’s Guide to Metal Garden Edging, Planters and Screens (OXY-Shield)

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie looking to spruce up your outdoor space, OXY-Shield metal garden edging, planters, and screen panels are a brilliant way to add both style and functionality.

Not only are they super versatile (read on for some great suggestions), but these long-lasting steel products are extremely low maintenance. They oxidise over time, forming a surface coating that’s resistant to corrosion and flaking.

The OXY-Shield range is also quick to install, sustainable and easily recycled or repurposed, making them a great eco-friendly choice.

On top of this, the rusty look of OXY metal garden edging, planters and screens creates an appealing contrast with the greenery of plants that can add unique texture and colour to your alfresco areas and build depth and interest.

So what exactly can you use OXY-Shield metal garden edging, planters and screens for? The list is as long as your imagination! Here are some examples of each.

• Creating garden beds: Define and separate different garden beds to create a clean and organised look for your garden.
• Edging walkways and paths: Create a clear border along walkways and paths to keep the path clear and prevent grass or other plants from overflowing onto plant-free spaces.
• Defining borders: Add borders around trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features to help your garden look more designed.
• Containing mulch and soil: Contain mulch and soil in your garden beds to help prevent erosion and keep your garden looking spotless.
• Building raised garden beds: Construct raised garden beds. This can be a great way to create a more manageable gardening space and improve soil drainage.

• Planting a herb garden: Use to create a small herb garden on your balcony or patio. The rustic look will add character and function to your space.
• Adding garden decor: Place oxidised garden planters strategically throughout your space to add visual interest and texture. You can use them to create focal points or to highlight specific plants or areas.
• Building a fire pit: Repurpose a large, deep oxidised garden planter as a fire pit. Simply fill it with rocks or sand, add a grate or some fireproof bricks, and get ready for evenings of songs and s’mores.
• Creating a centrepiece: Use as a centrepiece for your outdoor dining table or entertaining space. Fill with seasonal plants or flowers and add some candles, pebbles or other decorative elements.

• Creating privacy: Create a privacy screen around your outdoor space. Perfect if you have (nosey) neighbours nearby or want to create a more secluded area in your garden.
• Enhancing the aesthetic: Add a decorative feature to your outdoor space. Fashion a unique focal point, add texture and interest to a blank wall or enhance the visual appeal of a garden bed or seating area.
• Adding extra security: Use as a security feature around your home. Install them on fences or walls to deter intruders or to provide an extra layer of protection.
• Supporting climbers: Use as garden trellises to support climbing plants, such as vines and creepers. This is a great way to add vertical interest to your garden and create a green wall effect.
• Shielding the wind: Use as windbreaks to protect your spaces from strong breezes. Install them along the perimeter of your garden or outdoor seating to create a sheltered area that’s more comfortable to use.

Now we’ve covered the many practical uses, let’s consider its visual versatility.

With its clean, modern lines, rich earthy tones, and rustic patina, OXY-Shield can add a splash of urban sophistication or a touch of country charm to your alfresco spaces, depending on the vibe you’re going for.

If urban is your jam, there are so many great examples of oxidised steel used in modern city architecture on this side of the world: Yagan Square in Perth, The Adelaide Convention Centre and Ironbank in Auckland, to name a few.

While OXY-Shield products aren’t quite on the same scale, you get the picture.

If you’re all about country charm, the weathered and aged look can be reminiscent of old rural structures. Think barns, sheds and fences.

The reddish-brown colour also evokes images of our beautiful countryside and natural landscapes. Plus, the rusty tone blends harmoniously with nature and evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

Here are a few creative ways you can use OXY-Shield products to add either urban or country to your outdoor spaces:

• Use Oxy-Shield Flat Edging Strips to create geometrically designed garden beds and populate them with succulents like aloe vera or jade plants.
• Add OXY-Shield Screen Panels to your pool area walls to elevate the aesthetic and create a holiday resort vibe
• Fill rectangular OXY-Shield Copa Series Planters with herbs such as basil or parsley, and vegetables like lettuce or cherry tomatoes
• Create modern circular garden beds filled with low-maintenance cacti, such as prickly pear, sea urchin and Eve’s needle, edged with Oxy-Shield Podium Rings for an on-trend Arizona desert garden look.

• Border garden beds with Oxy-Shield Flat Edging Strips and fill them with herbs such as fragrance-rich herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme
• Plant fruit trees, such as apples, pears and plums and border them with OXY-Shield Podium Rings
• Create a swath of native grasses in front of a bare wall and add some OXY-Shield Screen Panels to create the perfect rustic country panorama
• Grab some circular OXY-Shield Copa Series Planters, then add some rich soil and beautiful native wildflowers such as waratahs, banksias, and grevilleas

A step up from cheaper plastic trims and more durable than wood, who knew just how versatile the OXY-Shield range is? Well, we did—and now you do, too!

OXY edging, rings, planters and screens offer so many practical uses and work well whatever garden vibe you’re going for, from urban to country. Friends and family will think you’ve had the landscapers in.

Ready to get started? Simply head to your nearest hardware store to purchase your Jack products. Don’t be afraid to ask for more help if you need it. Once you’re sorted, it’s time to get outdoors and get OXY-ing!

If you’re happy with how your OXY-Shield project turns out, why not share it on socials and tag @meetdiyjack?