Edging Ideas

Why use edging materials? They add a nice decorative touch, neaten things up and provide a clean, crisp definition to garden plots. On the practical side, edgings also help keep soil and mulch in and grass out of well-tended beds.

When it comes to edging materials, there's plenty of choice. What you end up with will depend on the look you're trying to achieve and the amount of time and money you're willing to spend on installation and materials.

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.

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 eight- 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.

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.