Techniques for Landscape Edging and Flower Borders

Stone

• Natural stone edging lends a rugged look to a lawn. Stone edging is a natural choice for a woodsy garden or to accentuate the winding curves of a path. The irregular shapes and varied height of natural stones bring out the handmade look of a garden. To block weed encroachment and keep the stones in place, embed them partially in a trench over a gravel base and pack any small gaps with pea gravel. Consider stone edging for flagstone, slate, granite or river rock paths.

Bricks and Pavers

• For a formal garden or traditional look, bricks and pavers provide clean edging. Uniform in size and shape, they form straight, even lines when laid side to side or end to end. This type of edging works for paved surfaces, gardens and trees. Pavers come in a range of colors including red, beige, gray and blue, adding subtle color contrast to a lush landscape. Install them less than 2 inches above ground level so the mower can easily cut bordering grass.

Wood

• Timber edging serves the same function as other types of edging, while adding a warm look to a walkway or garden. Landscape timbers are pressure treated so they won't rot. Timbers are typically stacked in two or three layers to build a raised garden, or embedded partially in the ground to outline a patio or walkway. The other type of wood edging consists of ornamental wood posts joined to form a low border around a garden. Wood posts offer a rustic look that brings out the organic, whimsical qualities of a flower garden.

Flower Borders

• Planting a border of flowers along a garden is an alternative to installing inorganic edging. Flower borders create a seamless transition from one area of a yard to another. If your yard is small or you want to create as much open space as possible, planting flower borders enhances the look, scent and health of your yard, without occupying precious space. Flowers are more maintenance than inorganic edging, but they also change with the seasons, providing bursts of color in warm seasons. Plant flower borders in front of shrubs near the home, around trees and along the sides of walkways so it feels like a garden is within reach no matter where you are in the yard.