How to Edge a Flower Bed With Wood

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Wood gives a garden an organic, country look.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Redwood
garden trowels , shovel, or grub axe

Step1

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

Step2

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.

Step3

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

Step4

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.

Step5

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.