How to Landscape Borders & Edging

Lay a garden hose around flower beds to create organic curves in the areas where you want to create separation between a flower bed and a lawn. The rubber of the hose makes it easy to create large curves that can be adjusted several times until the shape is just what you want. Paint the curves on the lawn with landscaping paint.

Dig a trench along the painted line that is 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Keep the soil on the lawn side more vertical and angle the soil on the flower border side to at least 30 degrees.

Position flexible plastic edging in the trench so that the V-notch at the bottom of the edging is on the flower bed side. Use edging spikes every 2 to 4 feet along the bottom of the edging. Drive the spikes as close to horizontal as possible to reduce the potential for the edging heaving during frosts.

Pack the soil firmly around both sides of the edging. Half the edging should be under the soil.

Plant a flower border along the bed side of the edging. Position smaller flowers of a consistent color, evenly spaced 6 to 8 inches away from the edging. Place larger structural plants and flowers behind the first row. Layer the flower border to be at least two plant types deep and as many as four or five for a wide bed. This will add drama and create movement and unity in the garden.

Select good flower border plants for your area by talking with garden experts at nurseries. Annual flowers (plants that die out after one season) that are good choices for flower borders in most climates include: daisy, verbena, impatiens, begonias, lantana, marigolds, petunias, violas, pansy and snapdragons. Perennials (plants that return each year) that work well for borders in most areas include: alyssum, coreopsis, dianthus, primrose, sedum, salvia, veronica and baby's breath.

Amend your garden soil to a soil mixture appropriate for your plant choices. Dig your plant holes twice as large as the root balls. Loosen any compacted roots after removing the plants from the pots. Position the flowers so that the top of the root ball soil is even with the garden bed soil. Space the plants to allow for the growth of the plant. Mulch around your plants and water thoroughly.