Using Driftwood for a Border Around a Garden

Finding Driftwood

• The best way to find driftwood, and enjoy the process, is wandering along the shores of oceans, lakes and rivers. If you aren't near a beach, try looking for dry, sun-bleached pieces of wood in forested areas. Of course, some areas are protected and many beaches are private, so you can't pick up driftwood just anywhere. Collected driftwood in some state parks is allowed if you buy a firewood collection permit. Make sure it is legal to collect wood or driftwood before you remove anything from an area. If you aren't able to collect your own driftwood, you can buy it online and have it shipped to you.

Simple Border

• To make a simple border, lay pieces of driftwood on the ground around the borders of your garden or flower bed. To make it a bit more substantial, stack the driftwood loosely in layers three high, mixing small and large pieces together. Interlock branches and stubs to make it more stable.

Vertical Border

• With a little more work, you can make a border that is more like a short fence, similar to bamboo edging. Dig a trench for the pieces of driftwood and plant the wood vertically in the ground, side by side. Back fill the trench and pack the soil very firmly as you go on to hold the wood in place. For this method, your driftwood pieces need to be relatively straight; cut off branches with a handsaw if necessary.

Embellishing

• If you want to leave the driftwood as natural-looking as possible, simply clean it with a soft brush and let it dry completely in the sun or rub it with clear wax for very minimal protection. If you prefer a more finished look and want to preserve the wood, seal it with a coat of varnish. Or, make your border into colorful garden art by painting it before sealing.