Edging Ideas to Keep Your Garden Neat

These redwood rounds are cut to varying heights and wired in four-foot lengths, which makes installation a snap.

Wood

Many kinds of wood edging material are available at home-and-garden centers. Some of the easiest to use are readymade sections in various lengths that can be placed around beds picket-fence style. Conventional "two-by" lumber — as in 2x4s, 2x6s, etc. — in redwood, cypress and cedar are naturally rot resistant and can be used to fashion attractive edgings. If those woods are too pricey, go with pressure-treated lumber that is rated for soil contact.

Landscape timbers and railroad ties are also popular, durable and relatively inexpensive. They can be used individually to outline straight beds or stacked one on top of another and secured with long nails. Railroad ties are extremely heavy, so plan to get some help moving them. And remember to use old ties: they are cheaper than new ones, and the creosote used to preserve them is less likely to leach into the soil and contaminate your plants. Although timbers and ties do a fine job of defining straight borders, they can't handle curves.

Lightweight plastic border materials are probably the most popular garden edgings.

Plastic

Plastic edging, though perhaps lacking in aesthetics, is reasonably priced, can last for decades and is fairly simple to install. Keep in mind that the warmer the weather outside, the more pliable and easy to handle the plastic pieces will be.

Long lengths of metal edging are ideal for forming instant tree rings.

Metal

Metal edging is often the choice of professionals, and although a bit expensive, it lasts nearly forever and is easy to work with. Painted or unpainted sections are usually available in 8- and 16-foot lengths, which can be joined together with
special clips. If you have a choice, go with painted metal to help prolong the onset of rust.

Borders made of stone, cement or brick are typically the most expensive but also the most long-lasting.

Stone, brick and cement

Edgings made from stone, brick or cement make a sturdy statement in the garden and will last a long time. Fieldstone laid on its edge gives a nice look, but unless the stones are mortared together, spreading turf grasses will quickly find their way into nooks and crannies.

If you have an area where wayward grass is not a problem, however, try readymade cement borders; they come in a number of different styles, shapes and colors. Also on the market are interlocking pavers, which require no mortar to achieve a tight fit. Available in different colors, these stones can be used to create everything from simple borders to raised beds and even garden walls.