Dress Up Your Garden Beds with Decorative Edging Stones

Tired of grass and weeds creeping into your flower and vegetable beds? Installing edging stones is an attractive solution to clearly define bed boundaries and keep your lawn in its place. With a variety of sizes shapes and material options available garden edging stones let you add decorative flair while tackling a practical landscaping challenge.

Why Use Edging Stones Around Garden Beds

Utilizing edging stones around the perimeter of garden beds provides several key benefits

• Create a crisp boundary between lawn and planting areas
• Prevent grass and weeds from invading garden beds
• Allow mowing and string trimming right up to the edge
• Contain loose mulch, soil, gravel and compost in beds
• Provide a finished look with visual appeal
• Offer a range of styles from formal to rustic

Edging stones are durable, low maintenance, and make caring for lawn and garden areas much simpler

Popular Types of Edging Stones

You can choose from a wide range of edging stones and materials based on your needs:

• Poured concrete – Inexpensive, available in curves and angles. Crack-prone.

• Landscape timbers – Budget-friendly wood that rots over time. Install with stakes.

• Brick – Classic clay brick lays quickly. Use mortar for permanence or dry stack.

• Stone – Natural quarried stone like granite provides a custom look.

• Cultured stone – Molded concrete resembling natural stone, many shape options.

• Metal – Aluminum and steel are very durable but prone to dents.

• Plastic – Flexible PVC that won’t crack. Affordable but less attractive over time.

Consider the pros, cons and cost of each when choosing which edging material is right for your project.

Design Tips for Incorporating Edging Stones

Edging stones don’t just have to be a boring single row of plain blocks. Get creative with these design ideas:

• Use angled pieces to outline curved planting beds
• Alternate different colors of brick or stone
• Include periodic decorative post stones with shapes or designs
• Vary height with some stones higher than others
• Incorporate special end/corner pieces for a finished look
• Extend stone edging into pathways between garden beds
• Contrast edging stones with mulch color (i.e. red brick vs dark mulch)

How to Install Garden Bed Edging Stones

Installing edging stones is a relatively easy DIY project. Follow these basic steps:

Prep the Area

• Mark layout with string and stakes. Remove grass/sod from bed perimeter.
• Dig narrow trench 4-6 inches deep along layout. Pitch downward slightly.
• Soften and level trench bottom, tamp down.

Set the Stones

• Dry fit stones first before installing. Check levels.
• Partially backfill trench. Set stones, tamp firmly into place at proper height.
• End pieces go in first, then long edges, using string to keep straight.
• Leave small gaps between stones for drainage. Use shims if needed.

Backfill & Finish

• Complete backfilling. Pack soil around edges firmly with shovel handle.
• Use mallet to adjust stone height if needed. Caps can cover small gaps.
• Sweep off excess dirt. Spray off stones if needed.
• Top off bed side of edging with fresh mulch up to stones.

And your new edging stones are ready to start corralling those garden beds! Proper installation will keep your edging stones neat and level for many years of reliable use.

Maintaining Edging Stones Over Time

Like most landscape features, garden edging requires some periodic maintenance to keep it looking its best:

• Check for shifting stones and re-level as needed after freezing/thawing.

• Pull any weeds or grass growing over or through edging. Spray if extensive.

• Replace any rotten, crumbling or missing stones as soon as possible.

• Renovate areas where soil/mulch is eroding under the edging.

• Redefine edging trench and refresh backfill soil if sinking occurs.

• Control grass growth using string trimmer along edges. Avoid hitting stones.

• Scrub dirty edging stones with soap and stiff brush when buildup occurs.

• Seal any cracks in poured concrete edging to prevent additional deterioration.

With just occasional upkeep, quality edging stones can remain functional and looking great for many years of reliable garden bed service. They’re a smart investment that also adds instant beauty and polish to your landscape.

Fun Ways to Use Leftover Edging Stones

For smaller garden beds or curved edges, you may find yourself with leftover edging material. Here are some creative ways to use extra stones:

• Outline stepping stones pathways between garden beds

• Create a decorative border along a driveway or walkway

• Make a stacked stone planter for herbs or succulents

• Form a small rock wall terrace for potted plants

• Upcycle as trivets, drink coasters, soap dishes, candle votives

• Use to edge a compost or mulch containment bin

• Craft a mini water feature, rock cascade or lily pond

• Build animal habitats like a frog pond or raised bee bed

With a bit of creativity, those extra edging stones won’t go to waste and can enhance other areas of your landscape. Get inspired by searching DIY stone projects online.

Defining and dressing up your garden beds with edging stones is one of the quickest hardscaping projects for adding polish to your yard and gardens. With minimal investment of time and money, you can install a practical solution that also imparts style. Take time to explore the options and design inspiration before choosing which edging stones are right for your beds.