Give Your Garden Beds a Finished Look with Corner Blocks

Garden beds are a great way to designate a space for growing flowers, herbs, vegetables, or other plants They keep the plants neatly contained and make the garden look tidy and organized But often the corners of garden beds look unfinished or ragged. This is where garden bed corner blocks come in!

Corner blocks are masonry units that are installed on the corners of garden beds to give them a completed, polished look The blocks neatly finish off the bed corners and frame the growing space They provide an attractive border that enhances the overall aesthetic of the garden.

What are Garden Bed Corner Blocks?

Garden bed corner blocks, sometimes called planter wall blocks or garden wall blocks, are small masonry units designed to be installed on the corners of raised garden beds They are typically made of concrete, stone, or brick.

The blocks interlock, stack, or attach together to create a solid corner post. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and architectural styles to complement any garden design.

Common sizes of corner blocks are:

• 7.5 x 7.5 x 5.5 inches
• 8 x 8 x 4 inches
• 12 x 12 x 12 inches

They often have a lip, groove, or textured surface to facilitate stacking and fitting together snugly. The integrated design keeps the blocks stable and prevents toppling or detachment.

Corner blocks provide an instant finished look to garden bed corners. They can be used on wooden or masonry garden beds of any height. The blocks visually delineate the planting space and create an orderly, defined border.

Benefits of Using Corner Blocks for Garden Beds

There are many benefits to using corner blocks on raised garden beds:

Polished, Complete Look

Corner blocks give beds a polished, planned look. The tidy 90-degree corners make the garden look neat, intentional, and complete. This is much more aesthetically pleasing than unraveling corners of fabric, plastic, or lumber.

Frame the Growing Area

The blocks provide a clear frame and border for the growing space inside the garden bed. This makes the planting area look tidy and bounded.

Prevent Erosion

On elevated garden beds, the corner blocks prevent soil, mulch, and planting medium from eroding off the corners. This keeps the inside contents intact.

Long Lasting Material

The concrete, stone, or brick construction is durable and longer lasting than typical garden bed wall materials like wood. The blocks will maintain their structure and appearance over time.

Customizable Style

With various shapes, colors, and textures available, corner blocks can be chosen to match the design style of the garden. This creates a cohesive look.

Easy To Install

Corner blocks simply stack or lock into place, without requiring special skills or tools to install. This makes elevating garden beds with a polished border simple and accessible for any DIYer.

How to Install Corner Blocks on Garden Beds

Installing corner blocks is an easy DIY project that can be done in just an afternoon. Here are the basic steps:

1. Build the garden bed frame. Construct a wooden or masonry frame to your desired size and height. Ensure the corners are square and even.

2. Level the soil. Fill the frame with good quality planting soil. Make sure the soil is distributed evenly and firmed into place.

3. Set the corner blocks. Place a corner block on each corner of the garden bed, pressing down firmly and evenly to set it in the soil.

4. Stack additional blocks. If using shorter blocks, stack additional blocks to the desired height, alternating the orientation in a staggered or running bond pattern.

5. Backfill behind blocks. Shovel soil behind the corner blocks to fill in any gaps and embed them snugly in position. Pack the soil firmly.

6. Finish filling the bed. Add remaining soil, compost, or mulch to fill up the bed. Smooth and level the top.

7. Plant and enjoy! Add plants, seeds, or transplants and enjoy your polished, elevated garden bed with decorative corner blocks.

The blocks may settle a bit at first but will quickly stabilize. Check them occasionally and adjust or replace blocks as needed. Otherwise, they will last for many seasons, maintaining that finished look on your garden beds.

Choosing Corner Blocks for Your Garden Beds

There are many aesthetically pleasing corner block options to suit different garden designs. Consider the following when selecting corner blocks:

• Color – Choose a neutral color like tan or gray for a natural look, or go bold with bright colors to make the blocks a focal point.

• Texture – Smooth blocks have a clean, modern look. Textured blocks provide visual interest.

• Shape – Square blocks give an orderly, geometric look. Rounded or curved blocks soften the design.

• Architectural style – Ornate blocks complement formal gardens, while weathered blocks suit rustic or cottage garden styles.

• Size – Standard 7-8 inch blocks suit most gardens. For tall beds, larger 12 inch blocks anchor better.

• Material – Concrete offers durability at a lower cost. Stone and brick provide a premium, natural look.

Inspiring Examples of Corner Blocks on Garden Beds

Corner blocks not only finish bed corners, but become an integral part of the garden design. Here are some inspiring examples of how corner blocks can elevate garden beds:

Rustic Stone

Rough-cut stone blocks give this raised bed a natural yet refined look. The blocks match the stone wall and provide an earthy feel.

Ornate Concrete

These intricately molded concrete blocks complement the bed’s stone facade. The detailed corner pieces create an upscale, stately look.

Weathered Wood

Aging wood-textured concrete blocks give a vintage vibe to this garden bed. The blocks tie in with the distressed wood frame.

Geometric Brick

Formed brick corner posts add structured geometry to this contempory raised bed. The corner blocks reflect the clean lines of the bed design.

Color Pop

Vibrant teal concrete blocks draw the eye to the corners of this garden. The fun color contrasts the neutral wood frame.

Rustic Brick

Reclaimed brick blocks look right at home on this cottage-style raised bed with brick walls. The blocks seamlessly match the materials used.

Elevate Your Garden Beds with Corner Blocks

Adding corner blocks is an easy way to give your DIY or pre-fab raised garden beds a finished look. The blocks only take minutes to install but make a big visual impact, elevating your garden with a polished, designer touch.

Choose corner blocks that match your beds’ size, height, and style. Allow them to complement the materials and plantings used in your unique garden space. Then stand back and admire the complete, pulled-together look your new corner blocks provide!