How to Install a Concrete Flower Bed Edging

Create a score line in the ground around the edge of the bed with an edging shovel.

Dig a trench around the perimeter of the bed that is about 2 inches wider than the edging stones and about half their height. Before digging the trench, you may want to lay the stones on the ground to determine where exactly you want to position them and decide if you want the stones to use up more space in the flower bed, more space in the lawn or an even split between the two.

Drive wooden stakes into the ground at the ends of the trench and attach a mason's line to them.

Place a stone into the trench against the outer edge. Lower the mason's line until it is on top of the stone, and check the stone for level. Tap it down gently with a rubber mallet if it's not.

Lay the second stone into the trench next to the first stone. Lay a level across both stones. If the second stone is higher than the first, tap it down with a rubber mallet until they're even. If the second stone is higher, add dirt underneath it.

Install more stones along the first edge of the bed, following this technique.

Install another mason's line when you reach the corner of the bed that hits the first line at a 90-degree angle. Set the first few stones into the trench along the side, and use a framing square to check the angle to ensure that it is square. If you have to install the stones around curves, you can either use precut curved stones, or lay the regular stones over the trench, mark the curves and cut the stones with a wet saw.

Fill the spaces next to the stones with dirt after all of the stones have been set.

Dampen the soil around the stones by adding water, and tamp down the soil to compact it. This creates a firm base that keeps the stones straight.