Historically, garden borders defined spaces in large estates and formal gardens. Think of the intricate hedges in English estates or the tidy gravel pathways in French symmetry gardens. Their purpose was to create a neat, polished, and structured garden.
Today, borders are scaled down for much smaller suburb “estates,” but their role remains the same.
- To mark different areas, like flower beds, pathways, and lawns.
- To keep mulch, soil, or gravel from spilling onto your lawn or walkways.
- To establish a buffer zone to protect fragile plants from lawnmowers or foot traffic.
- To lend a professional and cohesive finish to a garden.
Your landscape borders should enhance, not overshadow, the beauty of your garden. Consider the style and color of your house, the plants in your garden, and the ambiance you want to create.
11 Easy Landscape Border Ideas
1. Brick Border
Bricks exude old-school charm with their earthy, rich red or warm brown colors. You can lay them flat, vertically, or stacked diagonally for a more decorative finish.
- Use contrasting colored mortar for depth.
- Mix different sizes and shapes for a more engaging effect.
- Keep the design simple and let the bricks be the star.
Cost: $1–$3 per brick, depending on your supplier.
Benefits
- Exceptionally durable
- Easy to install
- Low maintenance
- Can be reused or repurposed in other projects
A brick border is a good beginner project. It’s durable and easy to install.
2. Stone Border
Natural stone, like flagstone or river rock, offers a more organic look. This option is perfect for cottage-style gardens.
- Use flat stones to create a clean edge along flower beds.
- Opt for rounder rocks for a relaxed and informal border.
- Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and colors for a unique design.
Cost: $10–$30 per square foot for flagstone; $0.05–$0.35 per pound for river rock.
Benefits
- Adds texture and character to your garden
- Easy to install
- Low maintenance
- Long-lasting and weather-resistant, almost indestructible
Natural stone wall borders give this garden an organic feel.
3. Reclaimed Wood Border
Reclaimed lumber is rough and natural, ideal for rustic landscapes with a slightly wild feel.
- Build a low fence-like border with horizontal boards for added privacy.
- Use log rounds for a playful effect.
- Paint or stain the wood to match your house or outdoor furniture.
Cost: $2–$20 per linear foot, depending on the type of wood and style.
Benefits
- Easy to customize and manipulate
- Environmentally friendly when using reclaimed wood
- Can be quickly replaced if damaged
Reclaimed wood offers a wild and rustic feel.
4. Metal Edging
Metal edging gives you a sleek, minimalist, and modern look. Aluminum, steel, or wrought iron are popular choices.
- Use curved edges to create soft bends in your garden design.
- Cut the metal into different lengths to form interesting patterns and shapes.
- Paint it with a rust-resistant coating or let it weather naturally.
Cost: $2–$10 per linear foot, depending on the type of metal and thickness.
Benefits
- Long-lasting
- Low maintenance
- Easy to install
Metal edging keeps gravel and mulch separate in this yard.
5. Concrete Border
Concrete forms a permanent and highly structured border. You can pour it in place or purchase pre-formed blocks.
- Stamp or stain the concrete for added texture and color.
- Add decorative elements like mosaic tiles, pebbles, or seashells into the wet concrete.
- Ensure proper drainage by slightly angling the top of the border away from your plants.
Cost: $4–$10 per square foot for poured concrete; $2–$6 per block for pre-made blocks.
Benefits
- Highly durable and weather-resistant
- Can be customized with various colors and patterns
- Low maintenance
Concrete borders are durable, highly structured, and well-suited for modern designs.
6. Bamboo Border
An eco- and budget-friendly option, bamboo brings a tropical or zen-like vibe to your garden.
- Use tall bamboo poles for privacy screens or shade structures.
- Cut smaller poles into different lengths to create a woven fence or border.
- Stain the bamboo with natural wood stains for added protection and color variation.
Cost: $2–$20 per linear foot, depending on the type of bamboo and thickness.
Benefits
- Environmentally friendly
- Easy to work with
- Adds an exotic element to your garden
Bamboo borders bring a zen-like vibe to your garden.
7. Paver Block Border
Paver blocks, which are available in concrete, clay, or composite blocks, make it a snap to build borders for pathways, patios, or flower beds with a structured, formal look.
- Use sand to level the ground before laying down the blocks.
- Alternate colors and shapes for a checkerboard effect.
- Use adhesive or mortar to hold the blocks in place for stability.
Cost: $10–$20 per square foot.
Benefits
- Quick and easy installation
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Easy to maintain
A gardener lays a paver block border.
8. Plastic Edging
Plastic edging is one of the most affordable border materials. It’s available in different colors, styles, and lengths.
- Install it between your lawn and flower bed to keep grass from invading your garden.
- Use it to create a sharp, clean edge between your garden and walkways.
- Consider adding decorative elements like stones or mulch on either side.
Cost: $0.50–$5 per linear foot.
Benefits
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to install
- Flexible and easily customizable with scissors or a utility knife
Plastic edging separates two areas of grass in a lawn.
9. Shrub Border
How about a living border that changes with the season? Shrubs can serve as low hedges, privacy screens, or focal points in your garden.
- Choose evergreen shrubs for year-round color and foliage.
- Opt for flowering shrubs for beauty and fragrance.
- Mix and match different sizes, colors, and textures for a layered look.
Cost: $10–$100 per shrub, depending on the type and size.
Benefits
- Adds greenery and definition to your garden
- Can provide privacy or shade
- Low maintenance if you choose the right variety for your climate
Hedge borders point the way to a modest home.
10. Gravel Border
Gravel borders are perfect for gardens with a natural feel or yards that need good drainage.
- Use pea gravel for a soft, walking-friendly surface.
- Consider using colored glass pebbles for added sparkle and interest.
- Place weed barrier fabric under the gravel to prevent weeds from growing through.
Cost: $0.50–$5 per square foot, depending on the type of gravel.
Benefits
- Allows for water drainage
- Low maintenance
- Can add texture and color to your garden design
Gravel borders are perfect for yards that need good drainage.
11. Mulch Border
Mulch is a versatile and budget-friendly border material. It comes in various colors, from natural wood to dyed red or black.
- Use it as a clean edge around flower beds or trees.
- Experiment with different types of mulch, like shredded bark, straw, or rubber chips.
- Top off the soil in your garden with mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Cost: $2–$5 per bag; $50–$100 per cubic yard.
Benefits
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Provides nutrients to the soil as it decomposes
Mulch borders are cheap, plus they add nutrients to the soil.
FAQs: Landscape Border Ideas
Q: What’s the most affordable border option?
Gravel or recycled materials are the most budget-friendly options, often costing little to nothing if materials are reused.
Q: Do borders prevent weeds?
Not entirely. However, they create a barrier and keep mulch or soil in place, which can reduce weed growth.
Q: Can I DIY my landscape borders?
Many options, like gravel, wood, or brick, are beginner-friendly projects that can be completed in a weekend.
Q: Do borders require maintenance?
Yes, but the level of maintenance depends on the material. Stone, concrete, or metal borders require little upkeep, while work-intensive options like wood or hedges need periodic attention.
Q: Which borders are weather-resistant?
Metal, concrete, and natural stone offer excellent weather resistance, making them perfect for varied climates.
Q: Which border works best for curved flower beds?
Flexible options like metal, bamboo, or plastic work best for curved designs. Pavers can also be arranged to follow curves.
Q: Can I mix different border styles?
Yes! Mixing materials like stone with wood or metal lends depth and variety to your garden design.
Q: Where can I buy border materials?
Garden centers, home improvement stores, and online marketplaces are good places to purchase materials.