DIY Ideas for Flower Bed Walls

Thrift Store Plates

• Create an unusual, Earth-friendly wall for short or low flower beds by recycling plates from a thrift store. Collect numerous plates with any patterns or colors that strike your fancy. Use a small shovel or rake to loosen the soil surrounding the flower bed. For a plate wall, push one on its edge into the soil to approximately half the depth of the plate with the decorative side facing out. Butt each plate against the last as you work around the bed or overlap the edges slightly. The result is a scalloped border of china or stoneware that is of your own design. This informal look can enhance a cottage garden.

River Rock

• River rock is at home in almost any garden. In some areas, you can find it by just taking a walk. If not, you can find it at a home and garden center. There is a trick to building a short wall. The rule of thumb is to build it thicker at the bottom than at the top, and the top of the wall should lean back slightly. The soil inside exerts pressure on even short walls, so constructing in this way extends its life, explains Ask the Builder. Dig a trench approximately 6 inches deep and 1 foot wide surrounding the bed area. Smooth the bottom with a shovel and begin building with layers of river rock and masonry mortar. Gradually build the wall narrower toward the top, and create the backward tilt toward the soil inside. Backfill with soil as you build the wall if you need support for the stones as the mortar dries. Scrape off excess mortar before it hardens.

Cast Concrete Blocks

• Cast concrete blocks can mimic old, hewn stones at a fraction of the cost, and they are a relatively versatile landscaping material. Design and build a wall for your flower beds with a ledge for sitting that looks like it's been there for years. Dig a trench around the area at least half the depth of one block, explains This Old House. Build the wall in any pattern you like. The traditional, overlapping bricklayer's pattern is a sturdy choice. Secure each layer of blocks to the next with masonry adhesive and finish the top with wider stones to make a ledge for sitting and tending the plants.