Edging for gardens is a great way to keep your plants and flowers in place, as well as to define the property line. There are a lot of different edging options, but here are 16 ideas that will help you choose what works best for your garden.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Effective garden edging can enhance the look of your garden and offer several practical benefits. |
| There are several types of garden edging materials available, including concrete, brick, metal, and plastic. |
| The style you choose will depend on the overall design of your garden and your personal preferences. |
| Garden edging can prevent weeds and grass from encroaching into garden beds, ensuring clear and tidy boundaries. |
| Properly installed garden edging can also help improve drainage and keep the garden healthy. |
Brick
Bricks are an excellent choice for edging your garden beds. They can be used to create a straight edge or curved shape, and will add formality to your garden design.
Brick is also available in many colors, so you can choose one that fits the look you want for your space.
Bricks are heavy and will require at least two people to install them properly. However, if you have a small project that doesn’t require many bricks (a few feet of edging), installing them yourself may be possible!
To add some charm to your garden, you can add different kinds of lights. Learn more about how to improve your garden’s lighting and create a welcoming atmosphere by checking out our guide on how to add garden lights.
Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal is one of the most common types of garden edging. It’s easy to install, affordable, and comes in a variety of styles for different applications.
You can choose from plain galvanized or coated steel; modern painted finishes; or rustic rusted patinas that work well in woodland settings.
TIP: For all-weather use, look for coatings that protect against UV rays and rusting. If you prefer an aged look, brush or rub with steel wool to expose the underlying metal surface.
Corrugated metal is available in standard lengths up to 3 ft.; longer pieces can be purchased (up to 14 ft.) at most hardware stores but may require some cutting on site depending on the application.
Use your measuring tape to determine how much edging you’ll need based on where it will be installed the actual length needed will depend on how many joints you want between sections (1/2″ spacing is recommended).
To determine whether two lengths will meet seamlessly at each corner joint, stand them up vertically next together with all sides even first then adjust accordingly until they align properly before laying down any adhesive!
Corrugated Metal Garden Edging
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to install | Can rust over time |
| Affordable | May not be as aesthetically pleasing as other materials |
| Comes in a variety of styles | May require additional tools to cut and shape |
| Durable and long-lasting | May need to be replaced over time |
| Suitable for different applications | May not be strong enough to withstand heavy traffic or weight |
Note: Corrugated metal is a common garden edging material due to its affordability and ease of installation. While it offers many benefits, it may not be as durable or aesthetically pleasing as other materials, and requires some maintenance to prevent rusting over time.
River Rock
River rock is a great option for garden edging and borders. Rock gardens are a common feature in Japanese culture and the plants and stones used in them have been imported to North America.
These gardens are typically built along hillsides, but they can also be used in an urban setting with tall buildings or trees as your background.
All that you need to create a river rock garden is some soil, rocks, and plants that thrive in moist environments such as ferns or mosses.
River rocks come in different sizes so consider your desired effect before purchasing them at your local nursery or hardware store.
While there are many types of river rocks available it’s important to note that there will be variations between each one so don’t expect every piece of stone you buy from one supplier to match perfectly with another piece from another source this just goes back again (pun intended) our point above about how selecting the right type of edging material really depends on both personal preference and application needs!
Once installed properly every time we look out our window now we see gorgeous green foliage growing out over top these natural stone borders which gives us an idea where else this might work well around our home outside too!
Proper garden drainage is crucial to the health of your plants and your garden’s overall aesthetics. To ensure your garden is draining properly and staying free of water damage, check out our guide on how to add garden drainage to learn new tips and tricks.
Wood
Garden fencing is a great way to add structure and definition to your garden. Even if you don’t have a huge yard, there are plenty of ways to implement fencing into your landscape design.
Wood can be used in many different ways around your home. It’s durable and long lasting, with many varieties having natural decay resistance properties that will ensure it lasts for years without needing replacement. Wood also comes in many colors so it can match any style or design you have going on inside the house as well as outside!
Wood Garden Fencing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Adds structure and definition to garden | May require more maintenance than other materials |
| Provides privacy and security | May be vulnerable to rot or termites |
| Versatile in design and placement | May not be as durable as metal or vinyl fencing |
| Can be painted or stained to match exterior | May be more expensive than other materials |
| Natural look and feel | May need to be periodically reinforced |
| Eco-friendly and sustainable |
Note: Wood is a popular material for garden fencing due to its natural look and versatility in design. However, it may require more maintenance than other materials and can be vulnerable to rot or pests. While it’s eco-friendly and can be stained to match the exterior, it may not be as durable and can be more expensive than other options.
Glass Bottles
Glass bottles are everywhere, and they’re easy to find. You can use any size bottle you like in your garden edging; it all depends on the size of your garden, what kind of look you want, and how much work you want to put into it.
You can even use colored or clear glass bottles for decoration! If you don’t have the time or patience for a more complicated project, glass bottles can be very easy to incorporate into an existing garden design (like this one).
They’re also sturdy enough that plants won’t be able to poke through them if they’re buried in soil near their base.
The quality of the soil is deeply linked to the growth of healthy plants. If you want to learn more about how to enhance the soil in your garden and keep everything green and growing, read our guide on how to add garden soil and achieve a lusher, more productive garden.
Concrete Blocks
- Concrete blocks are easy to install. They’re also durable and can last for years in your garden, so you won’t have to worry about removing them or replacing them in the future.
- Concrete blocks can be painted to match the color of your garden. You don’t have to worry about the concrete blocks standing out as an eyesore.
Concrete blocks can be used for other purposes besides just being edging! If you live near a beach, they’re great for building sand castles!
If you live near a lake, they make great stepping stones! And if you live near any kind of water source at all (even if it’s just a puddle), they can be used as a makeshift boat or canoe or even just floats if that’s more your style!
If none of those ideas appeal then maybe consider using concrete blocks as edging:
Railroad Ties
Railroad ties are a great option for garden edging. They are durable and long lasting, easy to install and come in different sizes. You can use railroad ties for borders or for walkways around your yard. You can also paint them to match your yard or garden design.
Of course, there are other materials that can be used as garden edging such as metal or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) but they may not fit well with the color scheme of your landscape so it would be best to consider all of your options before deciding on one type of material or another..
Colors can make everything in your garden pop and come to life. If you want to brighten up your garden, you can get inspired by reading our guide on how to add instant color to a garden, where we go over different yet simple ways of bringing color to your garden.
Metal Edging
Metal edging is the perfect choice for people with a modern or industrial style. It’s also great for those with lots of trees and bushes in their garden, as it won’t be damaged by them.
To install metal edging, you will need:
- A spade or shovel (to dig)
- A wheelbarrow or wheeled trolley (for transporting soil)
Sunken Plates
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Sunken plates do just that. They’re a great way to keep your garden looking tidy and can be used to contain plants or as a decorative feature. They’re easy to install and come in a range of colors, so you can choose one that complements the rest of your garden or matches an existing feature such as paving or decking. You can even use them to create a path through your flowerbeds!
Adding a garden tap can make a huge difference in the watering of plants in your garden. To make sure that you’re getting the most out of your watering, check out our guide on how to add a garden tap easily for a step by step tutorial on how to install one.
Upright Plants and Flowers
Another way to add garden edging is by planting flowers and plants around the edge of your garden.
This can be used to create a border or to create a screen, and can be used in combination with other materials such as wood edging.
Flowers and plants can be used to add color, texture, height and fragrance to your garden. They can also help create barriers against unwanted animals or windblown debris by growing up against fences or walls.
River Stones
If you’re looking for a natural, long-lasting option, river stones are the way to go. River stones are durable and easy to install, making them a good choice for edging. As well as being sustainable, they can be used in many different ways:
- You can use river stone all around your garden or just along the edges of certain parts of it.
- If you have some extra space on your property that needs filling up, river stone is an excellent choice because it will fill up this space quickly and effectively without being an eyesore or taking up too much room.
Seashells
Seashells are a good choice for an edging because they are decorative and can be found easily. You can use them to decorate the edge of your garden or patio, or as a border for a path. If you have access to a beach, seashells are even easier to come by!
Cement Cobble Borderstone Edging Kit
The Cement Cobble Borderstone Edging Kit is a wonderful way to add an edging that’s both easy to install and long lasting.
It can be used for pathways, borders, patios and walkways. This product won’t fade with time or weather like other types of materials used in garden edging such as metal or wood.
The strong cement-based material will last for years without needing repair or replacement. It’s also very durable which means you don’t have to worry about the kids knocking it over when they’re playing outside.
If you want your garden looking neat but don’t want to spend hours doing so then this is one of the best garden edgings available today!
Recycled Mason Jars
Mason jars are one of the most versatile tools you can have in your garden. They can be used for everything from storing seeds to adding color and texture to your garden.
Even if you have no green thumb, these mason jar garden ideas will help you create a functional, beautiful space that anyone would envy.
The best part about these mason jar DIYs is that they’re easy and inexpensive to do yourself. If you want me to design a custom plan for your project or just want some advice on how to approach it, contact us here!
While there are lots of ways we can help with this project (and other projects too), we really love how much our customers enjoy using their own creativity when designing their own homes/gardens/landscapes/projects so let’s get started!
Rope Edging Idea
Rope edging is a great solution for those who love the look of rope, but don’t want to spend money on an expensive metal or plastic border. You can use rope to create a border around your garden or even just along the edge of a pathway.
You’ll need:
- a roll of plastic-coated landscaping twine or soft cotton clothesline (both will work)
- hand saw or pruning shears
Conclusion
There are so many different ways to add garden edging to your yard. If you are looking for some ideas about what type of garden edging you want, we hope these 16 suggestions have given you some inspiration! Happy gardening!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for learning more about garden edging:
To learn how to install plastic edging for your lawn, check out this helpful guide on WikiHow.
For more garden edging ideas and inspiration, take a look at this article on Insider which provides a comprehensive list of creative garden edging ideas.
For more tips and tricks on garden edging, as well as an array of other gardening ideas and tips, check out this article on Country Living.
FAQs
What is garden edging?
Garden edging is a gardening technique where a physical border is established between different areas in your garden to separate them visually and create defined spaces.
What is the purpose of garden edging?
Garden edging is used to keep weeds and grass from creeping into garden beds, while also creating a barrier for soil and mulch.
What are some materials used for garden edging?
Some commonly used materials for garden edging include brick, stone, concrete, metal, plastic, and wood.
How do you choose the edging material for your garden?
When deciding on a material for garden edging, consider the type of garden you have, its overall design, the amount of maintenance you are willing to invest, and your budget.
Can you install garden edging by yourself?
Yes, garden edging can be installed by yourself with some basic tools and know-how. However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you may want to hire a professional.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
