Nothing adds a better final touch to a garden than edging. There are professional companies you can hire for this job but the price of their services and materials isn’t really on the cheap side.
That’s why I decided to show you some amazing budget-saving garden edging ideas. Each is a DIY project and doesn’t require any special skill so don’t worry if you’re a beginner, I’m sure the results will be great.
Surprisingly, there’s a wide range of materials you can use for edging, such as mulch, stones, rocks, and many more.
Are you ready? Let’s make perfect borders that will define your outdoor space and transform it into a true visual treat!
1. Use Mulch To Separate The Lawn
Mulch is frequently used in gardens and has a lot of benefits, such as moisture retention and weed prevention.
Another great thing about this material is that it’s perfect for edging. Simply spread it where you want to separate your lawn and enjoy the view.
Although there are many materials you can use as mulch, wood chips make the best ones for edging. Not only will they look captivating but they’ll also prevent weed growth and regulate moisture in the soil.
2. Bricks For Curvy Edges
Bricks are inexpensive materials and you don’t need a lot of them to make edges in your garden.
The advantage of bricks as edging material is that you can get curvy lines, which will make your outdoor space more aesthetically pleasing.
3. Rocks Next To Pavers
Combining different construction materials is an excellent idea to create contrast and get edges that will definitely stand out.
Pavers are typically used to separate lawns from planting sites. If you have an area where you grow trees and bushes, add small rocks on the surface next to the pavers.
4. Make A Stone Path
Another way to separate your lawn and garden is to make a path using stones. What I especially like about this method is that it gives a more formal look.
Lovely green lawn grass compliments the stone color and you get beautiful yet functional edging.
5. Edging With Plants
Here comes my favorite edging method: plants. The main benefit of this method is that you’ll probably be adding some plants to the other side of the edge, no matter the type.
So, why not use plants that make perfect borders? You can choose plants based on size, growth habit, and color. I recommend combining compact foliage and flowering plants for a more vibrant display.
6. Make A Wood Edge
Small garden beds look amazing in yards and you’ll make them even more beautiful if you surround them with small wooden logs.
The main benefit of this method is that your yard doesn’t have to be big and you’ll still get the most out of it.
7. Wall As An Edge
No, this isn’t about 6-feet tall walls but rather small walls for more decorative purposes. One great way is to use bricks. The color and the looks of this type of wall are worth every second you spend making it.
Of course, other materials, such as pavers and stones, also make excellent small edging walls. This idea might be on the more expensive side compared to others, but it will make your garden stand out.
8. Double Rows Of Edging
Adding pavers around a flower bed is an excellent way to define the space, but why don’t you make it even prettier by adding another row of the same material?
You’re not limited to pavers only; all inexpensive materials will work for this purpose. Simply make a straight line with the desired material and then add another row next to it!
Since you’ll need more material, it’s better to use this method in smaller areas.
9. Add Boulders
Boulders are perfect for those who want to get a more natural look. Use boulders in the same way you would use mulch, i.e., add it to separate your yard from the garden or flower bed.
You can also landscape around trees with rocks and give your yard a more defined look.
10. Poured Concrete + Gravel
Here’s another great combination of two different materials for edging: poured concrete + gravel!
If you have an area in your yard filled with gravel, simply surround it with poured concrete to get a clear definition of the lawn and garden. The best thing is that you can achieve curved lines with this method.
11. Small Raised Beds
One of the cheapest edging methods is to make a raised bed using inexpensive lumber. Build a frame (it takes only an hour or so) and make a bed for your flowers, veggies, or herbs.
These small garden beds look fascinating when put next to a pea gravel patio.
12. Use Railroad Ties
A perfect edging method for those who prefer a rustic look is to use railroad ties.
These materials are really cheap nowadays and if you research more, you can even get some for free!
If you want to define the space even more, raise the ties and make a garden bed.
13. Stacked Rock
And more rocks! Another simple method with this amazing material is to stack it and make a defining line between lawn and garden.
Luckily, stacking rocks doesn’t require any special skills, so this is one of the fastest edging methods!
14. Add A Mini Wooden Fence
We’re kinda used to fences that ensure privacy for properties. The thing is that you can build a small wooden fence around your garden beds to separate them from the rest of the yard.
Small wood planks will look great as a mini fence. I created a small wattle fence around my flower bed and I must tell you, it looks captivating.
15. Use Old Logs
We’ve seen how to use small logs for edging but interestingly, large old logs are also great for this purpose.
Put them next to your flower bed to separate it from the lawn and that’s it; a really fast way to get a rustic look.
16. Plastic Edging
Store-bought edging products may be really expensive with a few exceptions, one of which is plastic edging.
I’m not really a fan of plastic but it does have some advantages. You can use recycled plastic and the main benefit of this edging is that it’s easy to install and lasts a really long time.
17. Small Decorative Fence
If you’re in the store and looking for some edging materials and products, ask for small decorative fences.
They’re very cheap and look adorable when used for garden edging. I especially like the way they look when used in combination with mulch.
18. Create Small Trenches In The Ground
The cheapest of the cheap! One of the oldest edging methods used in gardens is digging small trenches between the garden and yard.
All you need is a shovel and some elbow grease, and you’ll get a perfect, clean line. The only drawback of this method is that you’ll need to maintain it regularly.
19. A Tall Fence
You may have noticed that the options above are mainly for low edges. Of course, they won’t be helpful if you grow some huge plants.
If you have flower beds with tall species, such as hydrangeas and foxgloves, you can make a tall fence to define the area.
20. Use Flagstones
Flagstones make every yard even more beautiful! They’ll give a neat appearance to your property and they don’t cost a fortune.
If you plant some groundcovers around potted plants in your garden, add flagstones around them to get a stunning design.
21. Rock + Mulch
Here’s how to take edging to a whole new level! First, you need to prepare smaller rocks and use them to separate the lawn from your garden.
Then you take one type of mulch and put it next to the rocks. Add another type of mulch, brighter or darker in color, to get more contrast. You can use more types of mulch, depending on the size of your garden.
22. Scalloped Stone Edging
Specialty stones are definitely not on the side of cost-effective options.
However, if you purchase a smaller amount of scalloped stones and use them around trees or small flower beds, you won’t spend that much money and will get a feast for your eyes.
23. Stone + Concrete
If you want an edge that will last for a very, very long time, then mix stones together with concrete.
This way, you’ll preserve the natural look of the stones but the complete edging will look more polished.
24. Use Faux Stone
Not everyone has easy access to stones and they’re expensive in some regions. This is where faux stones step in.
If you look for them online, you’ll notice that their prices are really low. You’ll get pretty much the same look you would if you used real stones.
25. Use Rustic Rocks
And here’s one more edging idea for gardeners who adore the rustic style. Simply arrange rustic stones around your garden beds and you’ll get that natural look everyone is craving.
As an added bonus, this edging is indestructible, which is great for those who live in areas where critters are frequent visitors.
No matter which of these edging methods you use, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, especially after you complete the project and see your spectacular yard display!