11 Garden Edging Ideas for a Beautiful Landscape

Having a garden in your backyard or front yard can be great for aesthetics and relaxation. However, without proper edging, your garden may have the opposite effect and appear messy or unkempt.

Garden edging is a subtle but effective way to define and organise your garden, while also preventing the spread of grass and weeds. It not only adds a finishing touch to your landscaping but also helps maintain the shape and structure of your garden beds.

If you’re hoping to give your garden a facelift, but don’t know how to design it, or what materials you’ll need, then you’re at the right place.

Why Is Garden Edging Important?

Garden edging is not just a decorative element; it plays a crucial role in the overall health and maintenance of raised garden beds. By clearly marking the boundaries, it prevents soil from spilling onto the lawn.

Moreover, decorative edging enriches the garden’s visual appeal and can be tailored to reflect the gardener’s personal aesthetic, crafting an inviting outdoor space that complements the home.

There are so many reasons why garden landscape edging is an essential aspect of your home garden, and here are a few:

• Prevents Soil Erosion: Not only does garden edging prevent soil from spilling onto the lawn, but it also helps keep mulch in place and minimises erosion on sloped terrains.
• Defines Garden Boundaries: Edging clearly defines where your lawn begins and ends, making it easier to mow and maintain the lawn.
• Keeps Weeds at Bay: Installing edging in your garden can create a barrier that prevents grass and weeds from creeping into your flower beds or vegetable gardens.
• Adds Visual Interest: Edging comes in various materials, styles, and colours, making it an excellent way to add visual interest to your garden.
• Increases Property Value: A well-designed and maintained garden can significantly increase the value of your property, and edging is an essential element in creating a polished landscape design.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re trying to contain a raised garden bed or add a decorative element to your landscape; there are many garden edging ideas that can suit your needs and preferences.

11 Garden Edging Ideas and Materials for Your Landscape

There are various types of edging materials and styles available, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. Here are some popular options to consider for your garden:

1) Natural Stone Edging:

Use large, flat natural stones to create a rustic and organic-looking garden edge. This type of edging gives your garden borders a timeless and natural look, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Here are some ideas for stone edging:

Mismatched Stones:

Opting for mismatched stones can give your garden edging a classic look that feels unique. By collecting stones of varying sizes, shapes, and colours, you can create an edging with a natural and informal aesthetic.

Place the stones in a random pattern or align them in a row for a more structured look.

Cut Stones:

For a more refined and elegant look, consider using cut stones as your garden edging. These uniform-shaped stones can be arranged in various patterns, such as a herringbone or basket weave, to add interest to your garden borders.

Choose stones in a colour that complements your garden’s overall design for a cohesive look.

2) Brick Edging:

Brick garden edging gives a traditional style or a cottage garden look to any garden. You can choose from a variety of colors and patterns to create a unique design that complements your landscape. Brick edging is popularly used for raised beds or garden paths. If you are looking to give your garden a traditional look, using bricks is a great idea.

3) Wood Edging:

Wooden garden edging adds a natural and warm aesthetic to your landscaping, enhancing your garden’s curb appeal with its earthy tones and textures. It is also an affordable option that can easily be installed by any DIY enthusiast.

It is versatile and can be cut to various lengths to fit any garden shape, from straight lines to gentle curves. Choosing weather-resistant woods like cedar or redwood can ensure longevity and resistance to rot.

However, wood edging may require regular maintenance as it is susceptible to rotting and insect infestations. To increase its durability, opt for treated wood or seal the edges with a waterproof sealant.

4) Gabion Baskets:

Gabion baskets are an innovative and stylish solution for creating retaining walls within a garden landscape. These cages, typically made from a sturdy wire mesh, can be filled with rocks, concrete, or even recycled materials, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. They excel in providing support and preventing soil erosion, making them especially useful in sloping gardens or areas prone to land movement. With their natural look, gabion baskets blend into the environment and can be used to create striking features that also serve practical purposes.

5) Plastic Edging:

Plastic garden edging is a highly versatile and cost-effective option for homeowners looking to define their garden beds with minimal fuss. It’s durable, resistant to the elements, and relatively easy to install – essential qualities for any garden edging solution. One of the installation methods involves digging a shallow trench around the perimeter of the garden bed, into which the plastic edging is firmly placed and then backfilled to secure it in position. This technique ensures that the edging remains anchored in place, providing a neat and tidy edge that keeps everything in its designated area.

6) Concrete Edging:

Concrete edging is an excellent option for creating a more permanent garden border. It comes in various styles and can be customized to fit your specific design needs. From basic grey concrete to stamped or stained varieties, this type of edging adds a modern touch to your garden and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

7) Metal Edging:

Metal garden edging offers a sleek, modern, and industrial look that adds an instant lift to any outdoor space. It is also perfect for creating crisp lines and defining the boundaries of your garden. By having a clear line between grass and planting beds.

It comes in various forms, including aluminium, steel, or iron, each with its unique benefits. Let’s explore some options:

Aluminium:

Aluminium edging is a popular choice for its lightweight nature, flexibility, and rust-resistant properties. It is easily bendable, allowing you to create smooth curves in your garden borders.

Steel:

Steel edging is a durable and long-lasting option that can withstand harsh weather conditions without bending or breaking. It offers a clean and modern look that complements contemporary gardens well. However, it may be more challenging to work with due to its heavy weight.

Rusted Steel:

If you’re aiming for a more rustic and industrial look, consider using rusted steel edging. It adds character to your garden while also blending well with natural elements like stone or wood. Cor-Ten steel edging is an excellent choice for creating a bold and dramatic statement in your garden. This type of steel develops a rust-like appearance over time, giving it a unique and natural finish that complements any outdoor space.

Powder-Coated Steel:

For a sleek and polished finish, opt for powder-coated steel edging. The coating provides additional protection against rusting and comes in various colours to match your garden’s design.

8) Paver Edging:

Pavers are not just for creating walkways or driveways; they can also be used as garden edging! Using pavers allows you to create a seamless transition between your landscaping and hardscaping elements. You can choose from various shapes, sizes, and colours to create a unique design that adds character to your garden borders.

Installation Tips:

When installing pavers as garden edging, make sure they are level with the ground to avoid creating trip hazards. It is also essential to secure them in place by either using landscape adhesive or a concrete base. This will ensure that they remain in position and provide a sturdy edge for your garden.

9) Rubber Edging:

Rubber garden edging is an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It is made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice. It is also flexible and easy to install, making it ideal for creating curved edges in your garden.

Rubber edging comes in a variety of colours and can be easily cut to fit any garden shape, making it a versatile option for different landscapes.

10) Living Edges:

If you’re looking to add an organic and natural touch to your garden borders, consider using living edges. This type of edging involves planting low-growing plants or groundcovers along the perimeter of your garden beds. Not only does it provide a soft and natural border, but it also adds colour and texture to your landscaping.

Some popular options for living edges include creeping thyme, dwarf mondo grass, and liriope. These plants are low maintenance, drought-resistant, and can withstand light foot traffic.

11) Mosaic Pebble Edging:

For a whimsical and artistic touch, why not try mosaic pebble edging? This DIY project involves using small pebbles or stones to create a unique and colourful border for your garden. You can choose from various designs, such as spirals, waves, or geometric patterns, to add a personal touch to your landscaping.

To create this type of edging, you will need to dig a shallow trench around your garden bed and fill it with small pebbles, arranging them in your desired pattern. This option is perfect for adding a playful and creative element to your garden while also serving as a functional edge.

Conclusion

Choosing the right material for your garden is important to ensure that it not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also serves its purpose. Whether you’re going for a modern, rustic, or eco-friendly look, there are various options available for creating beautiful and functional garden edges.

At Gardening Direct, we offer a wide range of metal edging materials to suit every garden style and budget. Browse our shop today to explore our extensive collection and start creating your dream garden.