How to Edge a Flower Bed With Wood

Wood gives a garden an organic, country look.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Redwood
• garden trowels , shovel, or grub axe

1. Choose your wood - landscaping timbers, 2-by-4s, or flexible redwood or pine benderboard.

2. 

   Dig a trench around the bed. It should be deep and wide enough to accommodate whatever type of lumber you've chosen. For example, if you're using landscaping timbers, the trench should be about 5 inches wide and 4 inches deep.

3. 

   Wearing gloves, scoop out the trench and pat down the trench bottom so it is firm and even.

4. 

   Lay the wood in the trench. Rock it back and forth until it lies flat and firm - you may need to scoop out or build up spots to achieve this. If you're using benderboard, soak it in water first to make it more flexible - then use stakes to hold it in place as you go.

5. 

   Pack dirt firmly around your new edging.

Tips & Warnings

• Almost any wood - scrap wood and driftwood included - can be used in the garden.
• Even pressure-treated wood will eventually deteriorate - particularly if the ground around it is usually wet. If you're building for the very long term, you may want to use stone or concrete instead.

on 11/22/2005 Regardless of the type of wood being used, I recommend that it be treated with a water sealant.