Edges around garden beds are like the frame around a beautiful piece of art; they bring your landscape together to make a whole masterpiece. The right edge defines lawns and flower beds clearly, giving them both form and function.

Good edging keeps your garden looking neat and stops grass and weeds from getting into your well-kept beds. It also protects delicate plants from lawn mower and string trimmer damage.

You can choose from a wide range of materials for garden bed edging to fit your style and budget. This article will talk about 12 of the best ways to edge your beds to make them look great.

Metal Garden Edging

For clean lines and sleek structure, metal edging is a top choice. Aluminum and steel versions resist rust while providing a modern, polished look. Some key benefits include:

• Crisp, straight borders and precision angles
• Easy installation of interlocking or flexible strips
• Stiff edging contains gravel paths and mulch beds
• Available in a variety of heights and colors
• 20+ year lifespan with minimal maintenance

Metal edging pairs well with contemporary garden designs and complements both plants and hardscapes. Look for rounded or peg-shaped edges to avoid sharp corners.

Natural Stone Garden Edging

For an organic feel, natural stone makes a handsome border Options like granite cobblestones or irregular flagstone look especially fitting for cottage gardens

Advantages of stone edging include

• Natural, earthy aesthetic
• Can curve or meander for soft lines
• Creates raised areas for gravel or mulch
• Available in endless colors and textures
• Easy for DIY installation

Visit stone yards or garden centers to hand select stones with shapes and hues you love

Concrete Garden Edging

The structured look of concrete edged beds evokes classic English and formal gardens. Pre-cast concrete comes in interlocking blocks, scalloped bricks, and curved segments.

Key features of concrete edging:

• Crisp, substantial appearance
• Variety of styles to achieve desired lines
• Extremely durable and weather-resistant
• Ability to sculpt graceful or geometric shapes
• Natural gray color or integrally colored

For best results, go with contractor-grade concrete edging. Avoid lightweight, hollow landscape blocks prone to cracking.

Landscape Timber Garden Edging

For an easy, affordable option, pressure-treated landscape timbers excel at edging vegetable gardens, cutting gardens, and backyard planting beds.

Reasons to consider timber edging:

• Low cost for bulk coverage
• Straightforward installation
• Can be cut to custom lengths
• Rot and insect resistant
• Paintable/stainable to any color
• Versatile 6-12 inch width options

Cedar, redwood, or pine landscape timbers provide rustic appeal for casual gardens. Use multiple rows for extra height.

Bamboo Garden Edging

Bamboo edging infuses beds with natural texture and Zen garden vibes. Interconnecting panels create fluid shapes.

Why bamboo makes excellent edging:

• Light golden color suits Asian gardens
• Intricate, linear pattern provides detail
• Easy to cut and conform to curves
• Hollow tubular design easy to install
• Withstands weather extremes without decay

For tropical flair, accompany bamboo with red ginger, cordyline, or elephant ears.

Brick Garden Edging

The iconic, tidy look of brick-edged beds never goes out of style. Both clay and concrete bricks offer countless configurations.

Key advantages of brick edging:

• Timeless, classic appearance
• Variety of colors and textures
• Can use salvaged or new bricks
• Lays in straight or winding lines
• Combines easily with brick paths/patios

Soldier course and sailor course patterns provide different looks. Mortar for a permanent install or dry lay bricks.

Raised Wood Garden Edging

For lightweight definition, various types of wood lend rustic refinement to garden beds. Choices include:

• Half-logs – Rounded, naturalistic borders
• Full logs – Substantial wood presence
• Willow wattle – Textured, woven twig edging
• Cedar boards – Rustic, informal look

Wood edging benefits:

• Softer look than masonry edging
• Affordable and accessible
• Easy to work with standard tools
• Complements mulch and natural plantings

Use naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar, cypress, or eucalyptus and apply protective sealants.

Recycled Rubber Garden Edging

For an eco-friendly choice, rubber edging contains recycled tires. Dark color options resemble wrought iron.

Reasons to select rubber edging:

• Sustainable use of old tires
• Resilient and flexible material
• Installs quickly with stakes
• Borders hold shape without maintenance
• Affordable, long lasting option

Plastic Garden Edging

No-dig plastic edging offers effortless installation and just enough structure. Durable plastics include:

• HDPE – Recycled high-density polyethylene
• PVC – Vinyl edging for pliability
• TimberTech – Realistic wood grain finish

Benefits of plastic edging:

• Super low maintenance
• Lightweight for easy handling
• Flexes for curves and circles
• Never requires painting or staining
• 20+ year lifespan

Aluminum Garden Edging

Sleek aluminum edging provides one of the most crisp, refined looks. It comes pre-formed for quick installation and keeps mulch in place with subtle lips.

Key features:

• Polished, upscale appearance
• Excellent conformity to straight lines
• Rigid shape holds borders firmly
• Resists denting, bending, and bowing
• Pairs well with contemporary gardens

Look for commercial grade aluminum edging for strength and longevity.

Decorative Wrought Iron Garden Edging

For historical estates, European gardens, or cottage beds, wrought iron edged beds create romance and old-world charm. Decorative options include:

• Crossbuck – Criss-crossing dark metal
• Looped – Graceful metal swirls
• Bow and arrow – Bold, masculine style
• Victorian – Ornate curves and points

Wrought iron edging advantages:

• Striking visual presence
• Intricate forged details
• Can customize lengths as needed
• Makes a statement combined with vines

Select powder coated or galvanized iron for weather-resistance. Avoid flimsy, lightweight fencing.

Lawn Edging Garden Shears

Finally, you can ditch shovel work entirely and edge beds with manual or electric lawn shears. Specialized edging blades neatly carve sharp lines in turf for contrast.

Reasons to try garden shears for edging:

• No materials to haul or install
• Crisp, precise cut line
• Edge just before mowing for best effect
• Adjustable edging guide for consistency
• Create any shapes, curves, or patterns

The key is re-edging beds multiple times per year. It’s easy with quality edging shears!

Give Your Garden Beds a Frame Worthy of the Artwork

Whether your landscape leans traditional or modern, formal or casual, the right edging ties it all together. Frame your garden beds with edging that enhances plants and suits your personal style.

Always ensure edging is installed properly at the correct depth and materials are of high quality for long-lasting beauty. Keep edges visible by regularly trimming back encroaching grass and weeds.

Take your garden’s curb appeal to the next level with artistic and functional edging. Display your green masterpieces proudly!