How to Use Different Kinds of Borders on Each Flower Bed in Your Yard

Borders make flower beds more appealing.

Garden bed borders provide resistance against impeding grass growth and lawn debris that is kicked up when mowing. There are numerous types of edging material to choose from, such as plastic, stone, rock and brick. Many backyards have different types of landscaped areas to highlight the terrain, and using several kinds of borders can help show off the natural surroundings in the yard. For instance, using wood borders against a woodland background is aesthetically pleasing and appropriate. Add some borders to your garden beds to protect the beds and increase the visual appeal of the yard.

Things You'll Need

• Stakes
• String
• Tape measure
• Spade
• Rocks
• Large stones
• Wood
• Plastic
• Bricks
• Herbicide

Instructions

1. Draw a diagram of your yard and include all garden beds, shrubbery, trees, driveways, outdoor structures and swimming pools. Design where you think you want your border outline. For a uniform look, you may have straight borders, or gardens that flow with the natural terrain might have soft edges.

2. Outside, place a stake at the beginning of your border. Continue to place stakes where you want your proposed border. Tie one string from stake to stake. Stand back to look, and change the border to your preference.

3. Place different bordering material next to the stakes. Use rocks, large stones, plastic, wood or bricks. Get an idea of which material best complements each garden bed and the surrounding landscape.

4. Measure the bordering material you wish to use. Use the measurements to dig a trench along the stakes. Make the trench slightly wider than the material. Border material settles over time, so if you want the material to be flush with the ground, allow it to stick up from the ground when you lay it down. Use a spade to flatten the bottom of the trench.

5. Lay the bordering material in the trench and use a spade to pack dirt around the bordering material. Continue down the trench until the end. Sweep off the dirt and debris on the bordering material after it is laid.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a broad spectrum herbicide on the trench to prevent weeds from growing under and around the bordering material.

• Avoid skimping when buying bordering material. Buy a little more than you need for bordering replacement.

References

• Cornell University: Home Gardening
• Lawn Mania: Ideas for Different Edges