6 Great Edging Ideas

Most people focus on the larger aspects of landscaping and forget to think about the minor ones – the finishing details, if you will. One of the details that often goes untended (no pun intended) is edging, as many people consider it unnecessary. Done right, however, there are a few edging ideas that add even greater definition to your home’s curb appeal or inject that extra bit of…something…that was missing in your landscaping. It doesn’t have to break the bank, either, if you plan well and select the right materials.

On Edge

From a functionality standpoint, edging’s role is keeping the garden looking tidy by holding back soil, defining garden beds, blocking invasive roots from creeping out of control and preventing the oh-so-annoying migration of mulch and gravel. But with the right edging ideas, function still meets design, as edging has the potential of adding aesthetic appeal to a landscaped space. The most popular edging ideas incorporate stones, brick, metal, bender board, poured concrete and boulders. Naturally, the material you select should flow well with the design of your space and the style of your home. After all, edging is generally a finishing touch, not a main focal point.

Brick Edging

For anyone looking for a simple, classic material for use in an area with angles and straight runs, brick is an ideal option. Not-so-fortunately, however, one must possess intermediate masonry skills to brick curved areas. A few popular edging ideas for brickwork incorporates new bricks lined up vertically to define the space for a crisp and modern look or using salvaged bricks to create a more vintage appeal. Brick has a weathered, low profile surface that recedes into the background and plays a backup role to the focal point of the plants.

Stone Edging

Stones have the natural advantage of being easily obtained from local sources and pair well with informal planting arrangements – meaning that they look quite at home in less strictly defined beds. They are, however, heavy and time-consuming to install. Among all of the edging ideas, stones are the most natural looking. So natural, in fact, that many people use stones that they’ve dug up from another area of their yard. Local suppliers also carry stones sourced from local quarries. Simple as the sourcing itself often is, placing the individual stones requires quite the investment of time and labor.

Poured Concrete Edging

Poured concrete is everything you’d expect from concrete: it’s long-lasting and durable. It’s also extremely versatile and customizable. Depending on your point-of-view, its permanency could be a con rather than a pro, and poured concrete is complex and time-consuming to install. It does, however, allow for a wide variety of options in design and shape as well as in height, both above and below the ground. Unique edging ideas for concrete include: imprinting shapes into the freshly-poured surface or pressing in pebbles, shells, tiles or decorative bits of glass as well as mixing in pigments for color.

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Bender Board Edging

Bender board is one of the most simplistic of all edging ideas. It’s also very low-key, in terms of how much it stands out from its surroundings. Once it’s been installed, in fact, the top edge of it is barely visible above ground. It’s also simple to install, as it curves effortlessly, is lightweight and cuts easily with a handsaw or coping saw. That bendability works against it, however, in that it’s a material that does not lend itself to creating straight lines. In addition, splices often separate over time – not a plus in any regard. Interestingly enough, it also has the distinct disadvantage of being hard to source, as most stores don’t keep it in stock. Made of recycled or engineered plastic, bender board comes in the oh-so-interesting option of brown, black or green.

Metal Edging

As you might imagine, metal edging is long-lasting and subtle, rather than being obtrusive. It’s also versatile in that it accommodates straight runs and gentle curves. On the downside, however, it requires the use of a hacksaw to cut. As the thinnest material used in edging, metal creates a crisp, clean separation between graveled or hardscaped and planted areas. It’s ability to retain straight-lined rigidity gives it the ability to complement and reinforce strong geometry in modern designs.

Boulder Edging

Much like stones, boulders are natural and command attention. The gaps between boulders allow drainage, which is a good thing in areas prone to a great deal of moisture. As one would imagine, larger boulders are costly and difficult to move. Size is also something to consider, as their bulk has the potential of looking out-of-place in some contexts, while it adds an element of unique design in others. Choose boulders of similar sizes, shapes and colors, and arrange them so that they create a continuous unit rather than placing them individually. At Executive Landscaping, Inc., we have a team of landscape designers who have years of experience in creating landscapes that edge out every other property in the neighborhood. We’ll work with you and discuss the best edging ideas for your yard to create a masterpiece worthy of showing off. Give the team of landscaping experts at Executive Landscaping, Inc. a call to learn more about the edging ideas we offer today!