Garden Edging

You can really enhance the look of a bed or gorder with garden edging. In addition to making the bed look neat, edging also keeps the lawn and rambling plants from invading each other's spaces. A crisp edge is easier to mow or trim along, and keeps mulch where it belongs.

Let's look at 4 kinds of garden edging that don't cost much or need much maintenance. But first, we should discuss laying out the border. Lay out a garden hose where you think the edging will go. Make any adjustments before digging. Push a mower along the line to check that the curves are easy to maneuver.

Then mark the line with stakes, flour, stones, etc. If you're concerned about keeping mulch in place, the trench probably won't do. You'll need to use a material that sticks up about an inch or more above the surrounding soil.

The Simple Trench - This is by far the easiest, least expensive option for edging a bed. All you need is a sharp spade. Cut straight down 3 to 4 inches and lift toward the bed, removing the sod and the soil and depositing it on the side of the shrubs. When you're finished digging, top the bed and the trench with a few inches of mulch.

This edge will get a little overgrown by the end of the season, so you'll need to touch it up now and then. But it's also easy to expand the size of your garden as your plants grow or you add more plants.

Metal or Rubber Garden Edging - Depending on the style of your garden, you can pound metal or rubber edging down so it barely shows, or leave enough exposed to highlight the bed edges. Either way, you have a crisp edge that hardly needs any maintenance, and is easy to move in the future if you wish.

This type of garden edging comes in 8 foot lengths of steel, aluminum, or rubber. Aluminum is lighter and won't rust like steel, but may heave with frost. You can secure the edging in place with flat stakes to help it keep its shape.

Stone or Brick Garden Edging - For a more permanent look, you can't beat brick or stone. They can be installed differently for different effects.

Dig a trench large enough to work in easily - you will fill it back in when the stones/bricks are set. Dig it deep enough to allow for about 2 inches of sand.

This creates a stable base. Level and tamp the sand and set the bricks or stone in end to end, or (if you prefer) side by side. Side to side creates a wider border that is easier to mow against, but requires many more bricks.

Random shapes of stones creates a more casual, informal look. But if you want the garden edge to double as a path, you can accomplish both by using very wide pieces of stone.

Tap the brick or stone into the sand, removing or adding sand in order to make sure that the edging is level. You can sweep excess sand into the spaces in order to fill the gaps.

Either stone or brick is a good fit for gardens with plants that spill out of the bed because they provide a buffer between bed and grass, so the grass isn't as likely to be smothered. Keep the top about an inch to 2 inches above the soil.

Garden Edging With Whimsy - For an informal or cottage-style garden, try lining your bed with bottles, shells, logs or any other objects you can find. Wire hoops can be good for keeping rambling plants in check, because they will have more height than the bricks or metal edging.

Create your own theme. This is a great way to call attention to your favorite flower beds.

If you've been wanting to add edging to your garden, I hope this page helps you make a decision that your back and your bank account can agree upon.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions about garden edging by clicking here.

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