25 Best Garden Edging Ideas for Beautiful Landscaping

Plastic isn’t glamorous, but it is inexpensive and lasts for many years. It comes in long rolls which require you to dig a trench in which to sink the edge. (Here's a sturdy brand that we like.)

The rolls can be unwieldy to handle, so enlist a helper for easier installation.

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If you want to keep your project costs lean, try using gravel to create edging in your garden.

Settle on the area you want to install edging. Next, dig a trench that's at least four inches deep. Cut a weed prevention barrier or landscape fabric to fit into the trench. Use fixing pegs to anchor the barrier. Fill the trench with gravel and then rake to evenly distribute the mixture.

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This eco-friendly garden edging idea is a great option for recycling glass bottles. Depending on the area, you may have to collect glass bottles for a while—or ask neighbors for their recycling.

But then you can simply create the border by inserting bottles upside down in the soil. Keep it simple or play with designs in the soil to create a unique pattern to suit your personal tastes.

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If you have a pretty tree in the yard on a hill or slope that needs pop of color, consider adding a raised-garden bed. Installing a garden bed with an array of colorful flowers and edging around the tree will give the area an instant upgrade!

This involves more work so you may want to contact a landscaper to help plan and execute this project.

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A few companies now make recycled rubber edging, such as this no-dig eco border from Walmart.

It's secured with pegs you simply tap into place. It’s nearly indestructible and is designed so that mowers can get right up to it, eliminating the need for a trimmer.

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This method of garden edging can be labor intensive.

The easiest way to install this style is with these interlocking edging stones, though each section will then need to be straight.

If you want a more curved edge, you'll need to source individual pillars, and it will take a bit longer to install. Use a mallet to secure each pillar or section in place.

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It's a clever combination of natural materials and can be created with or without a roll of plastic edging. Much like installing gravel edging, this method requires digging a trench (about four inches deep) around the desired area. You can opt to insert plastic edging cut to the length of the space. Next, fill the trench with gravel and spread by hand or with a rake to evenly distribute the mixture. Complete the project by adding large stones across the gravel.

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Eucalyptus wood offers a casual feel to gardens in warm climates and pairs particularly well with coastal or tropical gardens. It's usually very easy to install because it typically hammers in with a rubber mallet. It will last for several years. You can find some online here.

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Flagstone comes in many different shades and thicknesses.

To install, set the flat pieces along the garden edge, or stack them for a classic cottage or country garden appearance. Check with your local nursery or garden center for options.

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Many types of metal edging are no-dig, meaning you hammer them into the ground. The metal is flexible, making it easy to create curves. Here's an affordable set we like.

It can be hard on your hands to install, so wear heavy work gloves when handling.

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Weathering steel, also known as corten, is an edging product that weathers to a handsome rust-brown patina over time. It's a little tricky to install, but it will last a lifetime. It comes in various heights for edging beds or to create raised beds.

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This is typically not a DIY job, as you must build a form, then mix and pour concrete into the mold. Consider hiring an expert, because mistakes are not easily fixed. Also, this isn't a great option if you like to change it up or plan to expand beds in future growing seasons. However, when done right it creates a distinctive and beautiful edge to a garden.

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Lay bricks in a shallow trench on their side with the wide side down, or stand them upright. The hardest part is getting everything straight and level. Hint: Use a rubber mallet and line level on a string.

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If you're going for an English garden vibe, a low-growing hedge like boxwood can serve as a pretty, neat edging. Plant the shrubs close together so they fill in quickly. You can shear them to shape, as shown here, or leave them more natural in appearance.

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Pavers made from concrete are nearly indestructible. But they're heavy to handle and time-consuming to install, so plan on a few days of heavy carrying and digging. You can make paths with pavers, or just use them for edging beds.

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Need to take down a tree in your yard? Repurpose it by using large branches or the trunk as edging for beds. The natural look adds rustic charm and will last for several years before needing to be replaced. Edge the lawn before placing the tree sections around beds.

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Small cedar shingles or cedar shake “fences” are simple to hammer around the perimeter of beds. They last for several years, but not forever, as they’re easily damaged by string trimmers or lawn mowers.

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If you’re handy with a saw, landscape timbers are a cost-effective method of edging. They're often pressure-treated to prevent rotting. You’ll need to level the ground and cut sections as needed.

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Here’s a great idea if you don’t like the look (or expense) of edging: Use an edging shovel, spade, or electric edger, to cut the grass away and create a sharp edge, which keeps grass from creeping into beds.

This technique is labor-intensive and will need to be done every year or two, but it also has a clean, neat look. Plus, it's ideal if you like to enlarge beds as plants mature.

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Rocks are available in every size, color, and shape you can imagine, and creeping flowers look amazing tumbling over them! Line the edges of each bed, but opt for rocks that are the size of a soft ball or larger for the most visual impact. Visit a nursery or garden center for options.

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