How to Landscape With Granite Edging

Draw a basic sketch of your existing landscape. Include trees, walkways, gardens and slopes. Refer to this drawing when selecting the size and colors of granite to use. Large boulders will overshadow a small garden.

Browse your edging material options in a home improvement store. Different types of stones will create different moods. For instance, river rock has a soft, calming feel that enhances the mood of a garden fountain. Choose a variety of shapes and sizes for a more natural, rustic look.

Decide on the first flower bed or walkway you want to add edging to. Walk around the area to visualize how the edging will look from different vantage points.

Arrange the boulders around your garden. Step back to see if you're happy with the height of the rocks in relation to your plants. If you have low-growing plants around the outside of the garden, consider extending the width of the garden by about 6 inches and burying a portion of the boulders. Try alternating the shapes and sizes of rocks for an organic look.

Dig a 4- to 6-inch trench where you want the boulders to go. Spread a layer of sand or pea gravel over the trench.

Place your boulders in the trench along your garden. Press them into the sand or gravel and lay them so they won't shift with weather or erosion. Work your way around the garden, stuffing smaller rocks between gaps and packing topsoil between the boulders as you go.

Pour water over the granite border. When the dirt between the rocks dries, it will harden like concrete to keep your edging firmly in place.