Interlocking Garden Edging

Types

• Depending on the type of garden and the house that sits in the middle of the landscaping, there may be several different options for the type of interlocking garden edging. Bricks come in all different shapes, sizes and colors and can easily be used to build a low, interlocking wall. Stone and faux stone can be used similarly and can be effective in retaining both the benefits of edging and a natural look. Wood edging can also keep a natural feel to the garden. Strip edging, usually made of some kind of plastic or rubber, is the most utilitarian looking but can usually be buried in the ground to minimize its appearance. For a Southwestern appeal, terracotta tiles can be set into an interlocking pattern and for a European look there are a number of short, wrought-iron fencing pieces that simply snap together to create a border.

Installation

• There's some digging required for the installation of most types of interlocking edging. For brick and stone, the ground must be dug out and leveled off along the line where the edging will be installed; simply laying the edging on top of the ground will result in an uneven, messy appearance. Thinner types of edging can also require some digging; if the ground is soft enough, interlocking edging such as the iron fencing can be snapped together and hammered into the ground if the posts are attached to the pieces of fence or secured with spikes. In some cases these types may not be as sturdy, which can be a consideration especially if children or pets frequent the area.

Benefits

• Interlocking edging might take some time to install, but it will keep the edges of the landscape design looking crisp and clean. It can prevent mulch and stone from spilling into the yard and at the same time it will help to provide a guide for mowing, ensuring that the border between the lawn and the landscaping doesn't move. It can also present a noticeable and distinct border for children and pets who are trained to stay out of certain areas of the yard.

  Interlocking edging will be more stable than individual pieces. This can be of vital importance in areas of the lawn that are subject to winds or rains that might otherwise dislodge a single piece of border.

Creative Uses

• Interlocking garden edging can certainly be used around flower beds and vegetable gardens, but it can also be used to accent paths and sidewalks or around individual trees. Some of the taller fencing may be successful in discouraging pets from getting into water features or it can be placed around backyard feature pieces such as statuary. Set another layer inside and above the first layer of edging to create a step effect, which can further accent pieces throughout the garden.