It is wonderful to spend a gorgeous, sunny afternoon relaxing and enjoying your beautiful garden. Importantly, you have to create that beautiful garden first, which will be all the prettier when set off by one of our smart-looking garden edging ideas.
Edging your garden beds is an essential step that many people skip, which leads to a garden that looks unfinished and bare. Your plants might be blooming beautifully, but if the bed they are in looks unkept, it can ruin the entire look. Edging your garden takes a little extra dirty work, but it’s worth it in the end. Here is some of our advice.
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Metal
Many types are no-dig, which means you have to hammer them into the ground. Painted finishes or galvanized metal last the longest, but unfinished metal has an attractive rustic appearance for country gardens.
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Decorative Fence
Small sections of fence are super-easy for lining a garden perimeter. Many different types and sizes exist including metal, wood, and plastic, so you’ll find the one that suits your garden’s style.
Pros: Easy to place
Cons: Easily damaged, doesn’t hold mulch in place
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Paver Stones
Pavers made from concrete are nearly indestructible. But they’re heavy to handle and time-consuming to install, so plan on a few days of heavy carrying and digging. You can make paths with pavers, or just use them for edging beds.
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Shovel Edging
Here’s a great idea if you don’t like the look (or expense) of edging: Use an edging shovel, spade, or electric edger, to cut the grass away and create a sharp edge, which keeps grass from creeping into beds.
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Plastic
Plastic isn’t glamorous, but it’s relatively easy to install. It’s available in short individual sections you pound into the ground or long rolls of edging, which require you to dig a trench in which to sink the edge.
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EcoBorder Recycled Rubber Edging
A few companies now make rubber edging that’s pounded into place. It’s nearly indestructible, as it’s usually made from recycled tires.
7. Bamboo
Bamboo is the natural choice for a Zen-style garden. It’s typically sold as short fencing that you pound into the ground.
8. Natural Rock
Rocks are available in an array of sizes, colors, and shapes, and creeping flowers look amazing tumbling over them! Simply line the edges of each bed but opt for rocks that are the size of a soft ball or larger for the most visual impact. Visit a nursery or garden center for options.
9. Flagstone
Flagstone comes in many different shades and thicknesses. Set the flat pieces along the garden edge or stack them for a classic look in a cottage or country garden. Check with your local nursery or garden center for options.
10.Brick
Lay bricks in a shallow trench on their side with the wide side down or stand them upright. The hardest part is getting everything level. Hint: Use a rubber mallet and line level on a string.
