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Whether youre designing a new garden or want to boost your existing gardens aesthetic, incorporating edging is a way to highlight the garden area and add more personality. Creating borders or garden edging establishes a defined space and gives your garden a more complete look. Use edging to make the space stand out or to create a garden bed for your pollinator garden, spring bulbs, fall-blooming flowers, winter blooms, and vegetable garden. With so many things to consider when planning or planting a garden, such as sunlight, USDA hardiness zones and choosing native plants, its easy for edging to be overlooked.
Edging helps define a space, enhances the aesthetic, and can reduce soil erosion and water runoff. Plus, creating borders in the landscape makes it easier to keep areas organized and prevent some plants from spreading and encroaching to other spaces by creating a natural or physical barrier. Installing edging can protect your plants, such as perennials and annuals by making a distinction from where one area ends and another begins. This helps avoid plants being clipped by garden tools or trimmed by lawnmowers when its time for yard maintenance.
There is an array of edging materials to choose from, including metal, plastic, terracotta, wood, and plants or shrubs. Choosing the type of edging is easier once you know your preferred garden style. For example, if you like the look of cottage gardens youll likely want a natural border so opt to use mixed plantings, shrubs, wood or stone as edging while a metal variety may be preferred for low-maintenance gardens. Before you jump in, understand that each type of edging has different costs, and requires a different skill set, tools, and amount of time to install. Some edging is more straightforward than others so plan accordingly and allow sufficient days or weeks to ensure successful completion.
Installing a short concrete wall edge can provide a stylish yet classic look. This garden edging idea will require professionals for the installation rather than a weekend DIY project. This type of edging is best for those wanting a more permanent landscape design.Read More: 20 Fast-Growing Shrubs for Backyard Privacy
A well-defined landscape is the hallmark of a beautifully designed outdoor space. One of the best ways to achieve this is by installing garden bed edging. Edging creates a clean border between your plant beds, lawn, pathways and other features. With the right edging choice, it not only looks great but helps you easily maintain the yard by keeping everything neatly in its place.
When shopping for garden bed edging, there are several options to consider based on your landscape vision, budget and skill level. In this guide, we’ll walk through the main categories of edging and provide recommendations on the best materials to create stylish and functional garden beds.
Why Add Edging to Your Garden Beds?
Here are some of the key benefits of using garden bed edging:
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Defines the beds visually. With edging, your planting beds will have a crisp, defined shape instead of just fading into the lawn. This makes the garden look intentional and styled.
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Contains the plants and mulch Edging keeps plant roots, mulch and soil from spreading or washing away into the rest of the yard. This makes maintenance like mowing and edging easier
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Provides a finished look A garden with clearly defined edges looks complete and professional versus free-form or ragged edges.
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Creates a mini-barrier. Depending on the material used, edging can act as a small retaining wall or curb to protect plants from damage from lawn care equipment and foot traffic.
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Offers design flexibility. Edging allows you to lay out planting beds in any shape you desire – curved, straight, formal geometric shapes, etc.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Garden Bed Edging
There are several variables that will help guide your edging selection:
Material – Edging comes in a range of materials like plastic, metal, stones, bricks, concrete and wood. Each has pros and cons.
Cost – Prices range dramatically based on material from $1/foot for plastic rolls to $25+/foot for stone, brick or concrete.
Durability – Some edging lasts for decades while other types may need replacement every 2-3 years. Longevity is impacted by material, installation method and climate.
Ease of installation – Skill level needed ranges from DIY-friendly materials to those requiring excavation and professional expertise.
Style – Choices like metal and plastic edging have a clean, modern look while materials like stone, brick and wood have a more organic, traditional style.
Height – Typical edging heights are 2-6 inches. Short edging neatly frames beds while taller options can double as mini-retaining walls.
Rigidity – Flexible edging is easier for curving beds while rigid types like brick and concrete can only do straight lines.
Best Garden Bed Edging Materials
Now that we’ve covered the key considerations, let’s dive into the specific materials and top options in each category:
Plastic
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Wide range of colors
- Flexible – can curve
Cons
- Less durable than other materials
- Can look artificial if quality is low
Cost – $1 – $3 per foot
Best Choice: EasyFlex No-Dig Landscape Edging
This top-rated plastic edging installs without digging using included metal stakes. Just push the stakes through the flexible edging to secure it in place. The coordinating pieces connect to follow any shape. Durable for 2-3 years.
Metal
Pros
- Very durable
- Installs easily by hammering into soil
- Creates a clean, modern look
Cons
- Can have sharp edges
- Conducts heat and cold
Cost – $3 – $4 per foot
Best Choice: Corrugated Steel Garden Edging
This galvanized steel option has built-in stakes for direct hammering into soil. The corrugated shape adds strength and enables bending. Available in black, copper and silver finishes.
Stone
Pros
- Natural appearance
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Can build short retaining walls
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to install
- Expensive
- Rigid – difficult to curve
Cost – $15 – $30 per foot
Best Choice: Dalen Natural Stone Landscape Border
These faux stone borders recreate the elegant look of real stone at a fraction of the price. Just tap sections into place with a mallet. Can also stack for short retaining walls.
Brick
Pros
- Classic style
- Very durable
- Can build short retaining walls
Cons
- Rigid – hard to curve
- Heavy
- Time-consuming installation
Cost – $2 – $4 per brick
Best Choice: Heritage Red Clay Bricks
These traditional clay bricks have a timeless look and last for decades. Lay lengthwise in a trench or stack for height. Use a level and string to keep rows neat.
Concrete
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Can customize shapes and finishes
- Can build taller retaining walls
Cons
- Professional installation required
- Expensive
- Permanent – hard to modify later
Cost – $20 – $50 per foot
Best Choice: Custom poured concrete walls
Hire a contractor to build sleek, seamless concrete garden walls in any height. Great for modern designs but with a high upfront cost.
Wood
Pros
- Natural, warm look
- Relatively easy DIY install
Cons
- Needs sealing and occasional replacement
- Can rot over time
- Not as rigid for retaining wall uses
Cost – $3 – $5 per foot
Best Choice: Cedar Garden Bed Surround
These cedar boards add a rustic touch. Just secure with included stakes. Sealing the wood helps resist decay. Super simple for DIY installation.
Plants
Pros
- Natural looking
- Provides greenery and color
Cons
- Ongoing maintenance required
- Plants may spread beyond bounds
Cost – $5 – $20 per plant
Best Choice: Compact boxwood hedge
For organic yet crisp edging, plant a row of compact boxwoods. Trim periodically to keep the hedge neat. This living border adds beautiful greenery and structure.
Key Tips for Installing Garden Bed Edging
Once you’ve selected the right edging materials for your yard, follow these tips for proper installation:
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Outline the shape with a hose or spray paint to visualize placement before installing anything.
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For most materials, dig a trench 4-6 inches deep to sink edging into. Level and clear out debris.
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Take precise measurements to calculate how much edging you need. Remember outer and inner corners take more footage.
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Start at a corner and work outward in small sections for best results.
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Follow all manufacturer’s instructions for prep work, installation and accessories like stakes.
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Use levels, lines and curves as needed to keep edging uniform and straight.
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Backfill on both sides of edging with soil to stabilize. Pack firmly. Consider added gravel if drainage is an issue.
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Allow time for concrete types to fully cure before using beds. Water to aid curing.
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Seal, waterproof or treat wood edging as needed to protect from elements.
Enhance Garden Style with Clever Edging
Defining your garden and landscape beds is one of the most effective ways to elevate your curb appeal and create an organized, polished yard. Take time to decide on the right edging materials and installation method for your needs and budget. With the proper edging in place, your plantings will have room to thrive while you’ll reap the rewards of a cohesive landscape. Enjoy this finishing touch as you build your ideal garden retreat.
Stone and Gravel Edging
Stone and gravel edging is a clever combination of natural materials and can be created with or without a roll of plastic edging. Much like installing gravel edging, this method requires digging a trench (about four inches deep) around the desired area. You can opt to insert plastic edging cut to the length of the space. Next, fill the trench with gravel and spread by hand or with a rake to evenly distribute the mixture. Complete the project by adding large stones across the gravel. Read More: 25 Full-Sun Perennials for Your GardenAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Grass and Shrub Edging
Create a living border with your grasses and flowering bushes for a lively edge. Play with leaf and grass blade hues for beauty year-round and mix and match bloom times for a more colorful display.Read More: 25 Best Flowering Shrubs to Make Your Landscape SingAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Building a brick wall for edging adds height and depth to the space and keeps your plants contained. Figure out how tall you want the brick wall and how long to determine how many bricks youll need.Read More: Dress Up Your Outdoor Spaces with These Container Garden Ideas
Scalloped terra-cotta edging is ideal for creating a pathway, or defining a flowerbed or garden bed. This option is straightforward to install–just make sure to measure how much you need before purchasing.Read More: 30 Best Perennial Plants for Year After Year of BeautyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
If you want a more natural look, grow your favorite plants and bushes as a mixed planting border. Experiment with height and style and different-colored leaves for vibrant and lively edging.Read More: Got a Shady Spot? Fill It with One of These Shade-Loving Plants
Plastic isn’t glamorous, but it is inexpensive and lasts for many years. It comes in long rolls and requires you to dig a trench in which to sink the edge. ( .)
The rolls can be unwieldy to handle, so enlist a helper for easier installation.
Read More: How to Grow and Care for Your Polka Dot PlantAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
If you want to keep your project costs lean, try using gravel to create edging in your garden.
Settle on the area you want to install edging. Next, dig a trench thats at least four inches deep. Line the trench with a weed prevention barrier; fixing it in place with peg. Fill the trench with gravel and then rake to evenly distribute. Read More: 20 Best Flowering Shrubs for Every Garden
This eco-friendly garden edging idea is a great option for recycling glass bottles.
Simply create the border by inserting bottles upside down in the soil. Keep it simple or play with designs in the soil to create a unique pattern to suit your personal tastes.
Read More: 11 Ways to Use Wine Bottles In Your GardenAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
If you have a pretty tree in the yard that needs pop of color, consider adding a raised-garden bed. Installing a garden bed with an array of colorful flowers and edging around the tree will give the area an instant upgrade!
This involves a lot of work so you may want to contact a landscaper to help plan and execute this project. Read More: 13 Best Privacy Trees for Your Backyard
A few companies now make recycled rubber edging, such as this .
Its secured with pegs you simply tap into place. It’s nearly indestructible and is designed so that mowers can get right up to it, eliminating the need for the dreaded trimmer. Read More: Our Favorite Lawn MowersAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
This method of garden edging can be labor intensive to install. For a successful installation each section of will need to be straight so site prep is very important.
If you want a more curved edge, youll need to source individual pillars, and it will take even longer to install. Use a mallet to secure each pillar or section in place.
Read More: 11 Types of Dogwood Trees and Shrubs for Any Yard
The Best Garden Bed Edging Ideas and Flower Bed Edging ideas
FAQ
What type of garden edging is best?
Your garden’s size plays a key role in determining the type of edging that would work best. Using bulky garden edging made from materials like stone may overwhelm the area and make it look crowded. For areas with a small garden, we recommend either steel, rubber or plastic edging.
What do professional landscapers use for edging?
Concrete Edging – Concrete is a terrific choice when it comes to landscape edging as it offers unmatched durability and versatility.Mar 23, 2023
What is the longest lasting edging for a garden?
Permanent Galvanized Steel Lawn Edging
EverEdge is perfect for landscape edging and will last many years, unlike other plastic or rubber-based edging material.
What is the best low maintenance landscape edging?
Rubber edging comprises recycled rubber materials making it an eco-friendly and sustainable option. It is low-maintenance and softer than metal, brick, or stone, making it ideal for yards where children play.