Innovative Flower Bed Edgers

Function

• Use a garden hose or rope to mark the border of the flower bed while it is being created. It allows for adjustments and moving, unlike a permanent edging. A permanent edger defines the space and lends the garden a more finished look. It also keeps grass and weeds from creeping into the flower bed. Use a flat hoe or shovel to keep the grass from growing up into the flower bed once the permanent edging is in place.

Formal

• Formal looks in a flower bed include grouped plantings that are separated from each other by empty space and a strongly defined edge to the bed. Stone or brick are common edgers in a formal flower bed. Create stacked borders that follow the straight lines of the flower bed. Another traditional material is short, white plastic or wooden fencing pieces. Short hedges formed of bushy herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme create a scented divider that can be kept trimmed in a formal style while still being innovative.

Informal

• Wide sweeping curves of informal beds call for more unusual materials that follow a more natural theme in the landscape. Flat river stones can be stacked to varying heights to keep the soil in and still maintain a wild feel to the flower bed. Rough hewn logs and log ends stained with natural weather-proofing colors and partially buried in the garden soil give an old look to the flower bed. A simple 6-to-12-inch wide strip of sawdust or bark chips discourages weed invasion and keeps the division between the yard and flower bed clear. Colored rubber mulch is also useful in creating a bright border.

Other

• Recycling materials gives flower beds innovative interest that catches the eyes of viewers as it gives other materials a new purpose. Empty soda bottles or jars turned upside down and partially inserted into the soil add sparkle to the flower bed and provide a strong barrier. Bamboo or willow branches tied together in a pattern create an open-weave fence. Cut lengths of flexible PVC pipe and insert each end into the soil so that it forms an arch. Create an open edge with several arching sections tied together. For a more solid edger, cut tires into 1/3 sections and lay them out along the flower bed for a long lasting border. Recycled tires can also be painted in solid patterns or in a stretched out mural.