Flower bed edging is a decorative and functional boundary that separates a planting area from the surrounding lawn or pathway. This barrier creates a clean visual line and serves a practical purpose by preventing turfgrass from invading the flower bed. It also keeps mulch or soil contained within the border, minimizing maintenance and ensuring materials do not migrate onto the lawn.
Selecting the Right Edging Material
The choice of edging material impacts both the aesthetic and longevity of the flower bed. Flexible plastic or vinyl edging is the most economical option and is easily manipulated to form gentle curves. However, this material has a limited lifespan, as it can degrade, crack, and become brittle due to sunlight exposure and freeze-thaw cycles.
Metal edging, typically made of aluminum or steel, offers a sleek and highly durable border. Steel provides a rustic look, while aluminum resists rust and is easier to work with, though metal is often more expensive than plastic. For a more traditional appearance, natural stone or brick creates a timeless look that can last for decades. These highly durable masonry materials require more labor-intensive installation and come with a higher upfront cost. Wood edging provides a warm, natural aesthetic, but even pressure-treated types will eventually rot and require replacement sooner than metal or stone.
Essential Preparation and Layout
Before placing any material, the layout of the flower bed must be defined. A line marker, such as spray paint or a garden hose, should be used to visualize the exact shape and curves of the planned border. This allows for adjustments before any soil is disturbed, which is important for maintaining clean lines and avoiding difficult-to-mow angles.
The next step involves digging a trench along the marked line to seat the edging securely. The depth of the trench must accommodate the chosen material, typically between three to six inches deep to properly bury the edging and create a stable base. When digging, the shovel should be inserted vertically along the lawn side to create a straight wall, which will provide firm support for the edging material once it is placed. The soil removed from the trench should be kept nearby, as it will be used later for backfilling.
Step-by-Step Installation Methods
Once the trench is prepared, the edging material can be positioned. For a clean, mower-friendly look, metal or plastic edging is often set flush with the soil, or perhaps a half-inch above ground level, allowing the mower wheels to pass over it. In contrast, brick or stone edging is frequently installed to protrude several inches to create a more noticeable, decorative barrier.
Flexible Edging
For flexible materials like plastic or metal, sections are joined together using specialized connectors or couplers. It is often easiest to link these pieces together before fully seating them in the trench. To secure the edging, stakes are driven into the ground, often at a slight angle, through pre-drilled holes in the material or directly adjacent to it. Driving the stakes at a 45-degree angle from the outside face helps to brace the material against the pressure of the soil and mulch inside the bed.
Rigid Edging
For rigid materials like pavers or bricks, a layer of sand or gravel may be spread and compacted at the base of the trench. These pieces are then individually set into the bed, sometimes requiring a rubber mallet to tap them into place. After the entire length of edging is secured, the excavated soil must be used to backfill the trench on both sides of the barrier. The soil should be packed down tightly against the edging to eliminate any gaps and prevent the material from shifting over time. This is especially important in areas with significant soil movement or freeze-thaw cycles.