Totally feel you on that cheaper mesh regret—I’ve been there too, rust and all. But hey, don't beat yourself up over it; trial and error is just part of the DIY journey, right? I've found landscaping fabric pretty forgiving myself. Like you said:
"it's easier to cut and shape around plants or garden beds compared to mesh."
Exactly why I prefer it. Your space sounds great, btw—cozy vibes are worth a few missteps along the way.
But hey, don't beat yourself up over it; trial and error is just part of the DIY journey, right?
Haha, I feel this. Landscaping fabric was my "aha!" moment too after the mesh fiasco. But honestly, nothing beats realizing mid-project you've bought 200 feet of the wrong thing... cozy vibes indeed, with a side of DIY humility.
Haha, landscaping fabric is definitely one of those things you don't fully appreciate until you've experienced the alternatives firsthand. I remember thinking, "how different could mesh really be?" Well, turns out very different... weeds poking through everywhere within weeks.
One thing I've learned—sometimes the cheaper option isn't actually cheaper in the long run. It's tempting to save money up front, but quality materials often spare you from having to redo the project later. I found buying landscaping fabric in bulk online was surprisingly cost-effective, especially compared to local hardware store prices.
Also, a quick tip if you're stuck with extra incorrect material: local gardening clubs or neighborhood swap groups are great places to trade or sell off what you can't return. I've done this a few times myself and managed to recoup some of my losses... plus it feels good knowing someone else can put it to better use.
Totally agree on the quality vs. cost balance—been there myself. One extra tip I'd add: make sure you overlap the landscaping fabric edges by at least 6 inches when laying it down. Learned the hard way that weeds will find any tiny gap if given the chance... Also, don't skimp on securing pins; spacing them every foot or so really keeps things in place long-term. Saves a headache later.
Good points on the fabric overlap—I've definitely seen weeds sneak through smaller gaps myself. I'd also suggest considering biodegradable landscape pins if you're going for a more eco-friendly approach. They're sturdy enough to hold everything down initially, and by the time they degrade, your plants' roots usually have things secured naturally. Plus, it's one less thing to worry about if you decide to rearrange or expand your garden bed later on... just something to think about!
