Edge Your Gardens

As the weather warms, we all find ourselves wanting to spend time outside.  But the weather isn't quite warm enough for planting anything nor for sitting outside for very long.  So what can you do that adds value to your home, makes it easier to maintain, and keeps you moving so you don't get too cold?

How about installing some edging to your garden beds.  Edging garden beds creates visual appeal not only to the bed itself, but it creates interesting "negative space" in the lawn in between gardens.

In addition, borders make it easier to maintain your yard.  Adding to, or creating new, garden beds reduces the amount of lawn that you have to maintain.  And what lawn you do have is easier to maintain by making it easier to mow around beds.

So check out some great edging materials you can use to spruce up those garden beds.

Bricks

Source:  gardenplanets.com

This lawn is edged in simple bricks, but the alternating colors and squared-off designs are what make it interesting.  The wide flat surface of the bricks also allows you to put your mower wheels right on it for a neat clean edge every time.

Source:  bobvila.com

Here bricks were stacked at an angle to create another interesting edge.  The height of this edging helps to hold back gravel or mulch creating a slightly raised bed.

Source:  thefamilyhandyman.com

This look combines both the above ideas into one allowing for a wide boarder and slightly raised gardens.

Metal

Source:  perfect-diy-ideas.com

If you're looking for a more industrial look, you can install sheets of metal as your edging.  Here they used a large depth to create raised beds.

Source:  garden-plants.info

This metal edging has a much lower profile, causing you to focus on the neat edge between the lawn and the path, without placing to much emphasis on the edging itself.

Stones

Source:  imgarcade.com

These flat small stones are laid in a gravel bed to lend a casual meandering edge to this garden, while very effectively giving nice separation between the lawn and the garden.

Source:  Pinterest.com

Here larger flat stones very nicely delineate this gorgeous bed from the surrounding lawn.

Source:  homeanddecor.org

Flat stones aren't the only thing that make a nice border.  Try various sized river stones to add interest to your garden beds.

Concrete

Source:  gardenlandscapeideas.org

Many homeowners are opting for a more permanent solution of poured concrete edgers.  They give a very neat edge, can be curved to any shape you want, and don't allow weeds to grow up between any mortar.

Source:  concreteedging.org

But if you still want the look of mortar, they can do that for you too.

Wood

Source:  indulgy.com

For a very casual and natural look, you can simply lay sticks and small logs in bunches to create a loose boarder.

Source:  pinterest.com

Old railroad ties work especially well for low retaining walls and boarders.  Just don't use them where ever you are planting edible gardens as the creosote can leach into the surrounding soils.

Source:  botanixpropertycare.com.au

Here simple milled lumber is used.  While this won't last nearly as long as more impervious materials like stone and metal, it will work for a number of years before it needs replacing.

Use Your Imagination

Source:  thegardenglove.com

Look around your house and yard and you're sure to find something that will work for edging material.  Here the homeowner re-purposed painted boards for edging.

Source:  kidscatsclutterandklutz.blogspot.com

An assortment of colored glass bottles turned upside down create a beautiful boarder that compliments the blooming flowers.

Source:  kenego.com

Got a car lover in your house?  Why not use a collection of hubcaps?

Source:  blog.mid2mod.com

Yep.  Those are bowling balls.

As you can see, there are so many options when it comes to garden edging.  So go throw out all that ugly black plastic stuff that's half out of the ground anyway.  Then decide on something new and get out there and start edging!

Source:  Michelle Schwake for Stafford Family Realtors