How to Build a Rock Ledge Border Around Your Flower Beds

Edging around flowerbeds serves a multitude of purposes. It adds definition to a lawn, stops grass and other weeds from spreading and creates a buffer for the lawn mower. Certain types of edging also add a decorative element. For a natural, rustic look, consider a rock ledge border. Create rock ledge borders by fitting together a variety of rocks of differing shapes and sizes. Fitting rocks tightly eliminates the need to hold them together with mortar.

Shovel
2-by-4 inch board
Landscaping fabric
Gravel
Rocks
Chisel
Hammer, 3 lb.
Garden soil

Instructions

- 1
  Carve a trench along the desired path of the flowerbed border. Make the trench the same width and depth as the largest rock.
- 2
  Pack the ground at the bottom of the trench by tamping it repeatedly with the end of a 2-by-4 inch board.
- 3
  Place a strip of landscaping or weed-blocking fabric along the bottom of the trench. Cut the fabric strip wide enough that it laps up onto the sides of the trench.
- 4
  Add gravel to the trench, filling it up approximately half way. Pack the gravel layer with the 2-by-4 inch board.
- 5
  Lay the foundation course of rocks on top of the layer of gravel. Use larger, flatter rocks for the first course.
- 6
  Continue stacking rocks on top of the foundation layer to the desired height of the ledge edging. Fit rocks together tightly, like puzzle pieces. When necessary, break stones into smaller chunks with a chisel and a 3 lb. hammer. Cap the top of the ledge with more larger, flatter rocks.
- 7
  Backfill all the remaining trench gaps with soil. Fill the flowerbed with garden soil.

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