Compare a pair of ironed slacks to those pulled from the dryer you’ve left sitting. Which would you wear to that all-important job interview?
Flower bed edging is a garden’s equivalent of ironed slacks. It keeps things neat. It organizes the yard and boosts your home’s curb appeal.
Edging can transform an unkempt flower garden into a landscape with superior chi, just as ironing takes your wrinkled trousers from “meh” to “yeah, baby.”
Benefits of Flower Bed Edging
- Clean Boundaries: Defines lines for a tidy, professional look.
- Weed Prevention: Keeps Invasive grass and weeds at bay.
- Mulch Control: Prevents soil, mulch, or pebbles from spilling onto walkways or lawns.
- Enhanced Aesthetic: Elevates the appeal of any landscape.
1. Brick Edging
Bricks are homey, durable, and low-maintenance. Lay them straight or stack them diagonally for a visual variation.
- Cost: Generally cost-effective.
- Installation: Easy to handle and install on your own.
- Durability: Long-lasting and can withstand harsh weather.
Brick edging can be as simple or complex as you want to make it, and it lasts virtually forever.
2. Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles exude Mediterranean charm, and they’re made to withstand Southern California’s hot, arid summers. Space the tiles evenly for a uniform look, or use broken tiles for a mosaic-inspired edge.
- Cost: Affordable, especially if using broken or salvaged tiles.
- Installation: Easy to handle and install on your own.
- Durability: Durable but can crack over time.
Terracotta tiles exude Mediterranean charm, are made to withstand Southern California’s hot summers.
3. Bamboo Edging
Some varieties of bamboo grow more than a foot per day. This eco-friendly, easily replenished plant brings an element of zen to your garden. Use multiple layers for height and dimension.
- Cost: Affordable and environmentally friendly.
- Installation: Easy to handle and install on your own.
- Durability: May need occasional maintenance, such as staining or sealing for longevity.
Bamboo edging is cheap, naturally beautiful, and eco-friendly.
4. Gravel Mow Strips
Wooden mow strips are prone to rot. Gravel is a low-maintenance option that allows easy mowing while keeping grass out of flower beds.
- Cost: Affordable and long-lasting.
- Installation: Easy to install on your own.
- Durability: Can shift or scatter if not contained.
Gravel mow strips allow easy mowing while keeping grass out of flower beds.
5. Metal Edging
Metal edging offers the cleanest border for flower beds. It can be made of aluminum, steel, or recycled materials.
- Cost: Varies depending on the material but can be pricier than other options.
- Installation: May require professional installation for a clean, seamless look.
- Durability: Long-lasting and can withstand harsh weather.
Metal edging can be made of aluminum, steel, or recycled materials.
6. Plastic Edging
Plastic edging is budget-friendly, easy to install, and available in various colors and designs.
- Cost: Affordable, making it perfect for large flower beds.
- Installation: Easy to handle and install on your own.
- Durability: May become brittle over time and require replacement.
Plastic edging is budget-friendly, easy to install, and available in various colors and designs.
7. Recycled Wood Planks
This eco-friendly option works well with rustic or cottage-style gardens. Seal the wood to protect it from moisture and pests, especially if you live near the coast.
- Cost: Affordable, especially if using reclaimed wood.
- Installation: Easy to handle and install on your own.
- Durability: May require occasional maintenance, such as staining or sealing, for longevity.
Recycled wood planks work well with rustic or cottage-style gardens.
8. Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are available in various sizes and shapes to create unique designs. They’re much more interesting than plain concrete and, when used imaginatively, can look like natural stone.
- Cost: Varies depending on the pavers’ size and style but is generally more expensive than other options.
- Installation: Requires proper leveling and placement, so professional installation is recommended.
- Durability: Long-lasting and can withstand harsh weather.
Concrete pavers can look like natural stone if used with imagination.
9. Natural Stone
Choose from sandstone, limestone, or granite to match existing landscape elements.
- Cost: Can be pricey depending on the type of stone chosen.
- Installation: Can require skilled masonry work, for which professional installation is recommended.
- Durability: Long-lasting and can withstand harsh weather.
10. Gabion Walls
Gabion walls are made of wire baskets filled with stones or other materials. They have a somewhat industrial yet stylish look.
- Cost: Can be costly, depending on the size and amount of materials needed.
- Installation: Requires proper placement and securing, so professional installation is recommended.
- Durability: Long-lasting and can withstand harsh weather.
Gabion walls are made of wire baskets filled with stones or other materials.
11. Crushed Rock
Crushed rock is cost-effective and available in various colors and textures. It’s also permeable, allowing rainwater to seep into the ground instead of creating runoff.
- Cost: Affordable and easy to find at most home improvement stores.
- Installation: Easy to install on your own.
- Durability: Can scatter or shift if not contained.
Crushed rock is permeable, allowing rainwater to seep into the ground instead of creating runoff.
12. Railroad Ties
Railroad ties are popular for garden edging and retaining walls due to their durability and rustic appearance. However, they may contain harmful chemicals, so consider professional installation.
- Cost: More expensive than other materials.
- Installation: Requires specialized tools and knowledge.
Durability: Can last for decades with maintenance.
Railroad ties are popular for garden edging due to their durability and rustic appearance.
13. Landscape Timbers
Landscape timbers are similar to railroad ties but offer a smoother finish for a more polished look. You can buy them at most home improvement stores.
- Cost: Affordable and easy to find.
- Installation: Easy to handle and install on your own.
- Durability: May warp or rot over time.
Landscape timbers are similar to railroad ties but offer a smoother finish for a more polished look.
14. Living Edges
Instead of manufactured materials, consider incorporating living elements like hedges or shrubs into your flower bed edging. This adds texture and greenery while serving as a natural barrier.
- Cost: Can vary depending on the type of plants chosen.
- Installation: Requires accurate placement and ongoing maintenance.
- Durability: Long-lasting with proper care.
Hedges or shrubs add texture and greenery while serving as a natural barrier.
15. Adobe Pavers
Adobe-style pavers practically scream traditional Southern Californian style. Thanks to their earthy tones, they pair wonderfully with succulents and desert plants.
- Cost: Affordable, especially if using reclaimed or salvaged materials.
- Installation: Easy to handle and install on your own.
- Durability: May require occasional maintenance, such as sealing, for longevity.
Terracotta edging screams Southwest charm. Olé!
16. Log Edging
Small weather-treated logs placed vertically create a charming picket fence for your flower beds. Horizontal log edging creates a cohesive look in gardens that emphasize natural or woodland designs.
- Cost: Can vary depending on the type of logs used.
- Installation: Easy to install on your own but may require some digging for placement.
- Durability: May rot over time if not treated or maintained.
Horizontal log edging creates a grounded, cohesive look in gardens that emphasize woodland designs.
17. Plastic Log Edging
This edging made from recycled plastic offers a wood-like appearance without the maintenance concerns of real wood. It’s also flexible and easy to install in any shape or curve.
- Cost: Affordable, making it perfect for large flower beds.
- Installation: Easy to handle and install on your own.
- Durability: Long-lasting and resistant to rot, pests, and harsh weather.
Plastic log borders are among the easiest to install and are available in various colors and styles.
18. Wood Mulch
Wood mulch is a natural and inexpensive edging that also retains soil moisture and suppresses weed growth. Choose hardwood mulch for better durability.
- Cost: Affordable and easy to find at most home improvement stores.
- Installation: Easy to install on your own but may require some digging for placement.
- Durability: May break down over time and require occasional refreshing.
Wood mulch is a natural and inexpensive edging that also retains soil moisture and suppresses weed growth.
19. Glass Bottles
If you imbibe daily, this is the edging for you! Upside-down glass bottles buried in the ground create an unusual and colorful border for garden beds.
- Cost: Free if using recycled bottles or affordable to purchase.
- Installation: Easy to install on your own but may necessitate some digging.
- Durability: May break and require replacement.
All those wine bottles are empty now. Turn them upside down and plant them in the garden!
20. Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal sheets offer a modern-industrial look. They’re weather-resistant and can be cut to any size or shape.
- Cost: Affordable and easy to find at most home improvement stores.
- Installation: Requires proper tools and some skills.
- Durability: Long-lasting and can withstand harsh weather.
Corrugated metal borders are durable, weather-resistant, and can be cut to any size or shape.
Additional Tips
- Consider the overall aesthetics of your garden when choosing an edging material.
- Regularly maintain and refresh your edging to keep it looking fresh and functional.
- Mix and match different edging materials for a unique and personalized look.
- Consider the level of maintenance each material requires before making your final decision.
- Install edging materials deep enough for support and stability. This will help prevent shifting or scattering over time.
- If you’re unsure which edging material to install, consult an expert for recommendations.
FAQs: Flower Bed Edging
Q: What’s the best material for edging a flower bed in Southern California?
Brick, gravel, and terracotta are ideal for Southern California as they endure hot, dry weather conditions.
Q: How can I keep edging in place over time?
Dig a small trench before placing your edging material, and secure it with landscaping fabric and stakes.
Q: Do I need to seal wood edging?
Sealing protects wood from moisture, pests, and sun damage, which is particularly important in coastal areas.
Q: Can I use edging to support drought-resistant gardens?
Use gravel, terracotta, or natural stones to pair with drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping styles.
Q: Are there eco-friendly edging options?
Recycled wood planks, glass bottles, and bamboo are sustainable garden edging alternatives.
Q: Should I choose permanent or temporary edging?
Temporary edging is ideal for gardeners who frequently redesign their landscapes, while permanent edging works for fixed designs.
Q: How do I prevent weeds from growing through my flower bed edging?
To suppress weed growth, install a weed barrier or landscape fabric beneath your edging materials.
Q: Is it expensive to install flower bed edging?
Many affordable options, like cinder blocks, bamboo, and recycled materials, can create stunning designs.