When planning a new perennial bed or vegetable patch, one of the first things to decide is how to define the perimeter of your space. What makes that area "the garden"? You could just start planting, defining it by the plants you place or the soil you have tilled. But you may want a separation that clearly shows where the garden starts and ends.
WHY EDGE YOUR GARDEN? Giving your garden an edge, whether it is implied visually or with a physical barrier, accomplishes many things. For instance, edging can:
Give garden beds a finished look.
Deter lawn grasses from invading.
Hold mulch, soil and path materials, such as gravel, in place.
Separate the path from the garden.
CHOOSING THE BEST EDGING Some materials and techniques work better than others. It all depends on your garden style, budget, construction ability (or lack thereof), available time for maintenance and personal preferences.
We asked four landscape professionals from across the United States to share their favorite edging materials and tips for installation and maintenance. Here's what they had to say.
Cut Edge
Tera Boeauf
Tera's Gardens, LTD
Basalt, CO
When it comes to edging, Tera prefers to cut in an edge instead of installing one. She notes that metal and plastic edging can be painful on knees, feet and paws if you step wrong as you are working. Another bonus to the cut edge? You're not locked in to a certain shape—you can change the dimensions of your garden at any time.
INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE TIPS
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Backyard Tornado
\"HE WHO SEARCHES FOR SPRING WITH HIS KNEES IN THE MUD FINDS IT, IN ABUNDANCE.\" - ALDO LEOPOLD
Front-of-the-Border "Wow!" Power
When it comes to easy-care plants that bring a lot of punch to the border, 'Ivory Queen' Turkestan onion should be near the top of your shopping list.
GARDEN ESSENTIALS
MAKE GARDENING EASIER THIS YEAR
Elevate an Evergreen Hedge
Although an evergreen hedge looks suitable all year on its own, it's perfectly poised to become something even greater: a backdrop to a garden where flower after flower will unfurl with such drama, you just might find yourself stepping outside and offering your applause.
One Garden, Two Worlds
In this colorful and welcoming garden, sunny, flower-filled front borders transition to a shady backyard hideaway.
on edge
Four garden pros share their go-to edging techniques.
DIANTHUS
Add fragrance, vivid color and timeless charm with this reliable, cold-hardy perennial.
2025's Best New Plants!
Are you ready to start planning for next year's garden? A few new plants might be just what you need to bring those dreams to reality.
Solve Garden Problems With Ground Covers
Are you tired of coaxing turfgrass to grow in difficult spots? In her book Groundcover Revolution, Kathy Jentz says that ground covers can be the solution to these struggles.
The Romance of Spring
With the arrival of spring, emerging perennials fill the garden with soft texture, restoring life to the harsh, often barren landscape of winter.
