Most of these are weekend DIY-worthy.
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You've planted your flowers, added your mulch, and even brought in a garden arbor to add a decorative flourish—so you're done, right? Not so fast. If your planting efforts don't include a garden edging idea, you're doing your landscape, and your plants, a huge disservice.
Garden edging is an essential part of establishing beautiful, long-lasting beds. Not only does it add the perfect finishing touch to your plots (think of it like the bow on a beautifully wrapped present), but it'll act as the first line of defense against rogue weeds, spreading grasses, small pests, or even an overzealous mower. Garden edging comes in a variety of different materials that can complement the style of your home. Think regal cement edging that'll add a flourish to a formal garden or breezy wicker to accent a seaside abode. Installation methods will also vary, ranging from easy-to-install plastic and metal strips that can be pounded into the ground with a rubber mallet to flagstone, which will need to be placed into a shallow trench along your garden's edge to stay put.
No matter what style you choose, properly installed garden edging is sure to grant you many years of a beautiful, clean-lined garden. Below, we're rounding up 15 of our favorite garden edging ideas that are well-suited to any style or budget. Even if you don't have a natural green thumb, these ideas will help you fake one like a true pro.
If you're looking for a garden edging idea that doesn't require a lot of time or money, hand-edging is the solution for you. Often completed with an edging shovel or spade, this DIY method can produce clean lines and a crisp delineation between your lawn and the garden bed beyond. Pro tip: This method works best when your garden bed is filled with mulch and has a slightly higher mound than the lawn, providing a natural dip at the edge.
Among the most popular garden edging ideas is plastic edging, which is inexpensive, durable, and easy to bend into nearly any shape. Sold in long rolls, plastic garden edging requires a trench to be dug along the garden's edge to nestle the narrow end of the plastic edging. Once in place, you can backfill the trenched area with mulch, dirt, or grass seed on either side of the divider for a seamless look.
Unlike plastic garden edging, which comes in a long roll, pound-in plastic garden edging comes in small pieces and is much firmer—you need to hammer it into the ground with a rubber mallet. The small panels mean it can easily be arranged around curves and hard corners. Note that pound-in plastic garden edging can heave in cold weather when the ground freezes, but that's not always the case—if it does, it can easily be pushed back in when the ground thaws.
Also referred to as wattle edging, willow garden edging is made from woven sticks, reinforced by metal stakes. The result is a charming, understated look common in the English countryside. While willow garden edging is a great way to add more natural texture to your garden, the material can show signs of wearing over time.
Wrought-iron edging is a garden edging idea that combines form with function—it provides a sturdy perimeter to your garden bed while also bringing vintage charm. Most wrought-iron edging comes in 6- to 12-inch pieces that link together and boast long stakes at the base to anchor them into the ground for easy installation.
When it comes to garden edging that combines durability and flexibility, nothing beats metal. This material is firm and stable enough to keep almost any landscape feature at bay and offers easy installation, with many versions requiring just a hammer or mallet to pound into place. Powder-coated steel will keep its color while corrosion-resistant steel will darken into a beautiful patina over time.
Often found in commercial projects, poured concrete edging showcases a precise and clean look that can be molded to cater to any shape or garden length. Be warned: This is not a DIY-friendly garden edging idea—if you're looking to add concrete edging to your landscape, you'll want to hire a team of pros to pull it off.
If your landscape project isn't hefty enough to warrant poured concrete, you can still score a similar look by opting for molded concrete blocks. These can be installed individually for a straightforward weekend DIY.
Bamboo is a popular choice for a variety of outdoor fixtures, from furniture to—you guessed it–garden edging. The reason? The material is naturally tolerant of harsh weather conditions, including rain and extreme heat. Most bamboo garden edging is available in sections, with a staggered top and included stakes that make for easy installation.
Concerned with keeping larger shrubs at bay? You'll want to opt for a garden edging idea that boasts a bit of height. Lattice is a great choice, especially in a material like PVC or willow, which can easily be cut to the proper height. If your chosen design doesn't come with built-in stakes, you can buy U-stakes to keep it upright and secure.
Nothing boasts the same natural charm as wood, which makes it a beautiful garden edging idea for your flower beds or lawn. Natural wood is best used on garden beds with straight edges, but if your beloved rose garden touts a curved edge, you can look for a composite lumber garden edge that boasts intentional curves or built-in hinges.
Brick is a popular look for all different types of home applications, from home facades to sidewalks. Lining your garden with brick pavers is a great way to reinforce the historical feel of your home. Even better, brick is small and infinitely adjustable, so catering to a quirky size or tweaking the edging is easy.
Not all gardens call for ground-level edging. For plots with wispier, taller plants, rope edging threaded between stakes can be a simple way to keep everything in line. Set the stakes to a height that falls 1/3 of the way down from the top of the plant, giving you the best chance of holding back ferns or fronds from encroaching on a nearby walkway.
For a natural way to edge your garden, look no further than, well, more plants. Sturdy shrubs like holly or boxwood can be a great way to fence in flowers or other perennials. They can be pruned down to a compact height and slim shape, allowing them to act as a decorative border that doubles as eye candy.
To make the most of your surroundings, collect large rocks in your landscape to act as retaining-wall–style garden edging. Keep in mind that the vibe here is natural and organic—it's unlikely you'll end up with a seamless, gap-free garden border, so expect some mulch to mingle with your grass or vice versa.
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