Ideas
Landscape Edging
Most garden and landscaping projects require some edging to help define and separate different areas. For the homeowner and do it yourself kind, economy and ease of use is usually the main concern. Some projects can require a lot of material.
Where it's possible in your design, its a good idea to try and incorporate your retaining walls and garden walkways as a defining edge. This not only saves on materials, but also makes coming up with good landscaping ideas a lot easier.
The most common type of edging we use is most designs is a professional version of the green or brown metal landscape edging found in most do it yourself and home centers. It's fairly easy to use but requires some patience and technique. You'll get a much cleaner and easier installation if you work the edging from end to end instead of trying to pound one area completely in at a time.
Other types of edging such as fiberglass and plastic are also available and very useful for creating landscape design plans. These types as well as the metal version are flexible and are useful creating curves and molding lawn and bed areas. Most types require being pounded in with a hammer so they take a little practice. Remember to use a rubber hammer or block of wood when installing so not to bend or damage the edging.
Keep in mind that these types of garden edging are mainly for defining and molding areas. They'll do little or nothing for keeping aggressive grasses and weeds out of bed areas. To do this you will need a concrete, brick, or other sort of edge to go several inches into the ground.
For some creative ideas on creating curves, beds, borders, and lawn areas, visit the free landscaping ideas gallery. And for hundreds of pictures and photos visit the directory of landscaping pictures. Both galleries are a world of information where you can spend hours looking at ideas.
