Making a Timber Border for a Perennial Bed

Bordering your perennial bed with natural timber logs creates the illusion that your flowers have sprung from nature while providing the structure you desire in the bed. The best source, of course, is fallen logs that occur naturally in the forest. If that is not an option, visit your local sawmill or timber yard for natural logs. Although they may not advertise it, many lumber companies are more than happy to sell you unprocessed timber at a reasonable price.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Timber logs cut to size or saw

Spade or shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the perimeter of your perennial bed to determine the size of logs you will need for your border. Note both the width and length of the bed.
- 2
  Purchase logs cut to the correct size or have someone experienced with a chainsaw cut them for you. A handsaw also can be used but takes considerable effort and time.
- 3
  Dig a shallow 2- to 4-inch trench around the perimeter of the bed with a garden spade or shovel. The width of the trench must be slightly smaller than the width of the logs at their widest part. This provides a resting place for your logs and prevents them from rolling.
- 4
  Position the logs in the trench around the perennial bed. Fill in around the base of the logs with soil to secure them in place and create a natural look.

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