Creative Uses of Edging

Bricks

• Bricks are one way you can add a decorative touch to your garden. Bricks can often be found at building tear-down sites for free. They can be pricey if you buy them brand new from a brick yard or landscaping store so try to find them at a salvage yard instead. Bricks can range in different sizes and dimensions, but the standard brick is generally about 3 ¼ inches in width and 8 inches in length. Because of their stability, they can be stacked easily to make your edging as tall as you want. You can also create a jagged border with the bricks slanted to the side – creating an eye-catching domino effect that will blend in with any style of flower or vegetable garden.

Bottles and Jars

• If you recycle your glass products, one way to avoid taking them to the recycle center is to use them as garden edging. Colorful bottles--such as wine and vodka bottles that come in blues, greens, browns and yellows--are a great material to create a one-of-a-kind garden edging. Simply create a 4-inch trench along the edge of your garden and place the bottles top first into the ground. Separate about an inch apart and fill in. You can also use mason jars as an edging material: Nestle the jars along the edge of your garden. In the twilight hours, fill them with tea lights for an instant lighted garden path.

Stones

• Natural stones offer a natural way to edge your garden. Large stones can be found in many places including fields, ditches and salvage yards. Many farmers or renovators may offer free stones and boulders--all you have to do is inquire. Purchasing rocks from a landscaping company can be pricey – especially for delivery. Stones can be stacked to form a distinct border that is perfect for an herb garden or old-fashioned flower garden.

Vintage Plates

• If you have an old-fashioned flower garden, a vintage plate border will give it class and character. You can purchase old, vintage mismatched table plates and saucers at thrift stores and estate sales. No need for them to all be the same style or color – mix and match floral designs and colors for a specialized look. Dig a trench around your garden and place the plates halfway in and fill the rest in with dirt and mulch.