At our Allotment there is the general attempt by members to place
scaffolding boards around the edge of their planting areas and also to
lay down plastic sheet covered with wood-chip on the surrounding paths.

This keeps the loose earth contained behind the boards at the edge and
the paths free of wet mud.

These scaffolding boards are about £13 each and after a few years partly
buried in the ground start to rot away.

Is there a cheaper and more durable alternative to the scaffolding
boards, to do this job ?

I have in mind perhaps something like overlapping imitation roof slates?

Grateful for any *inexpensive* alternatives to scaffolding boards. Thanks.