Most Common Garden Edging

Railroad ties make sturdy garden edging.

Garden edging establishes a solid boundary between a garden and lawn. Material used to edge a garden bed should be durable, stable and attractive. Common edging materials are available at most garden centers.

Wood

Wood is a common type of garden edging, particularly landscape timber, which comes in a variety of dimensions and lengths. Landscapers often use railroad ties as garden edging. Wood edging is generally pre-stained or pressure treated. Woods frequently used include cedar, cypress and redwood.

Strip Edgings

Strip edging is made of plastic or steel. It comes in widths of 4 to 6 inches and lengths of 10 to 25 feet. Advantages of plastic and steel edging include flexibility and durability. Metal edging lasts longer, but plastic edging is more resistant to ground heaves.

Masonry Edging

Composed of stone, brick or concrete, masonry edging is the most expensive type of common garden edging. It is attractive, durable and available in a variety of textures and colors. Interlocking pavers are the easiest to install.

References

• The Home Depot: Edging
• The University of Minnesota; Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series; 2006
• Aggie Horticulture; Building a Raised Bed Garden; Priscilla Files et al.
• Corner Hardware: Edging Your Garden Bed