Creating beautiful, defined outdoor spaces doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few cheap landscape edging ideas, you can easily create a clean look to your garden or yard that won’t break the bank.
Whether you’re looking for something subtle and natural or something more decorative, there are plenty of cheap landscape edging ideas to choose from.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best options for creating unique and affordable outdoor spaces with cheap landscape edging ideas.
Why Edging Your Garden is Important
Garden edging is part of garden design, and it plays an important role in keeping your outdoor space organized, neat, and beautiful. There are several reasons why edging your garden is important.
Garden edging helps define the boundaries of your garden
Garden edging helps make it clear where your flower beds and lawn begin and end. This separation creates a more structured and polished look that enhances the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space.
Garden edging helps prevent the spread of invasive plants
Grass, weeds, and other types of plants can encroach on your flower beds and damage your landscaping. By creating a barrier between your lawn and flower beds, you can make sure that your plants remain healthy and vibrant, free from competition from other vegetation.
Garden edging prevents soil erosion
Garden edging creates a level surface to mow against and prevents soil erosion. It allows you to retain mulch, which is essential in retaining moisture in your garden and preventing weed growth.
Different Types of Landscape Edging Materials
If you are looking to define your garden spaces and keep the lawn from invading your flowerbeds or vice versa, then landscape edging is what you need. But with so many options available, choosing the right type of edging material can be overwhelming. Here are some of the most popular landscape edging materials to consider.
1. Concrete Edging
If you are looking for a long-lasting and durable option, concrete edging is a great choice. It can be molded into any shape or design and can withstand harsh weather conditions. It’s also easy to maintain and clean.
2. Stone Edging
If you want a natural look for your garden, then stone edging is an excellent option. It comes in various colors and sizes, allowing you to choose the right style to match your garden’s theme. Stone edging can also withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a popular choice for homeowners.
3. Brick Edging
Brick edging is a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a classic and elegant touch to their garden. It’s easy to install, affordable and comes in different colors, shapes, and sizes. However, it may not be as durable as concrete or stone edging.
4. Plastic Edging
If you are on a tight budget, then plastic edging is a cheap and practical choice. It’s easy to install, lightweight, and comes in different colors. However, plastic edging may not last as long as other types of edging, and it may crack or break under harsh weather conditions.
5. Wood Edging
Wood edging is a popular choice for rustic gardens. It’s easy to install and can be painted or stained to match your garden’s theme. However, wood edging may rot or warp over time, and it may require regular maintenance to prevent insect infestations.
Cheap Landscape Edging Ideas
If you’re looking for an affordable way to edge your garden, DIY projects are the way to go. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the opportunity to customize your edging to match your garden’s aesthetic. Here are a few DIY landscape edging projects to consider:
1. Mini Fence Edging:
Use mini wooden garden fencing to create a visual barrier around your flower beds or gardens. This garden border could be wood or plastic and is a great idea for improving the aesthetic and for the function this little fence serves.
2. Paver Edging:
If you have a collection of pavers lying around, put them to good use as garden edging. This project involves digging a trench along your garden bed, laying the pavers in a row, and securing them in place with mortar or landscape adhesive. This project requires a bit more time and effort than some other DIY projects, but the end result is well worth it.
3. Tree Ring Edging:
If you have a tree in your garden, why not make it a focal point by adding a ring of edging around it? This project is as simple as digging a circle around the base of the tree and filling it with decorative stones or bricks. Not only will tree ring edging add visual interest to your garden, but it will also protect the tree’s roots from damage caused by lawnmowers or foot traffic.
4. Wood Log Edging:
If you have access to fallen tree branches or logs, use them to create rustic garden edging. Simply cut the logs to the desired length, level them, and bury them vertically in the soil. This is a simple, affordable way to add natural texture and definition to your garden bed.
You can also use old railroad ties for this purpose if you want a solid option that will last a very long time and is more uniform and square than a log or branch would be. You can buy railroad ties at places like Lowes and Home Depot.
5. Corrugated Metal Edging
Metal edging is durable and long-lasting, making it perfect for the outdoors. It can be used to create creative and unique pathways, wall dividers, and patios.
A metal edging can also be used to create raised beds, rock walls, and stepping stones.
6. Shrub Edging
Instead of buying ready-made edging materials, use shrubs or low-growing hedge plants bordering your garden as a natural edging. Once the shrubs mature, you will have a beautiful, low-maintenance border to your garden.
7. Gravel Edging
Unlike other types of edging, such as plastic edging or wood, gravel edging adds a natural, rustic look that will complement any landscaped area. Plus, all you need is a few bags of gravel, and your garden can be instantly transformed! You may want to use landscaping fabric under your gravel to help keep the edging clean and free of weeds and grass.
8. Recycled Material Edging
For a more eclectic and artsy look, use recycled materials to outline your flower garden. When you do this the right way, it can look really beautiful. For example, use glass bottles to create a unique edging. Simply bury the bottles upside down along the border of your garden.
9. Bamboo Edging
A bamboo edging provides a natural border and can be used to define the boundaries of your yard or to add a decorative element to existing plant beds. It’s easy to install and creates a beautiful look with minimal tools and time.
10. Natural Stone Edging
Use a combination of small and large stones to create a natural-looking border around your garden. You can use a single layer of flat stones or stack them to make a small wall for edging as a barrier. River rocks and other types of natural stone make great stone garden edging.
11. Seashell Edging
Seashell edging is the same idea as gravel edging but with a little more of a tropical look. This is a great way to brighten up your flower beds and gardens, and seashell is actually pretty affordable and accessible in most areas.
12. Concrete Edging
Use a concrete mold to form a concrete edge around your flower beds or garden beds. This is a great way to make your lawn edging a little more permanent or at least longer lasting. Use the mold to great the garden edge where the soil ends or outside of your gravel to hold it all in.
13. Raw Edge
Edging is traditionally done with a simple electric or manual edging machine, which just removes a clean line of grass and leaves a gap between two areas. This gives you a very clean look and plenty of curb appeal on its own, but it will grow in quickly without maintenance.
14. Brick Edging
Brick can be quickly and easily installed by simply laying the bricks side-by-side in a single row, or it can be customized to create a more intricate design. You can use red brick or other types of landscaping brick to get your desired look. You can also make the brick edging more permanent by using mortar.
15. Raised Garden Bed
Creating an edging border with timber in a raised garden bed is a great way to separate spaces in your yard. This is the best way to partition your vegetable garden from the rest of your yard and also makes it easier for you to work in your garden.
Grab your free step-by-step guide to build a raised garden bed, today!
Wood garden edging can be made from landscaping timbers, lumber, or even logs. You can also use cinder blocks or large brick pavers for raised garden beds.
16. Terracotta Pots Edging
The rustic, natural look of terracotta suits any outdoor style, from modern contemporary to traditional cottage. You can use any size of terracotta pot, depending on the design you wish to create.
Larger pots, grouped together, can make a neat informal border along the edges of a lawn or pathway. For a more organized look, use the same size pots and stagger them in a regular pattern to form a line around a flower bed or vegetable patch.
17. Pebble Path Edging
Instead of making a border out of pebble stones, make a path of stones. Create clean lines by your garden plants with straight edges that show a clear border between the two.
You can place stepping stones in the center of the pebble bath to accentuate the path even more. This makes it a clearly separate area from the garden or flower bed you’re edging.
With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can create affordable and unique landscape edging for your garden. Just be sure to choose materials that are durable, weather-resistant, and will complement your garden’s style.
Tips for Choosing the Right Landscape Edging Material and Style
When it comes to choosing the right landscape edging material and style, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure that you get the right fit for your garden and your budget. Here are some tips to help you choose:
1. Consider the purpose
Before choosing your landscape edging material, It’s essential to consider what purpose it will serve. Do you want to create a clean line between your lawn and garden, or are you looking for something to retain soil or gravel?
2. Think about the climate
The climate in your area is an important factor to consider when choosing the right landscape edging material. Some materials, like wood, may not last as long in wet climates, while metal may rust in areas with high humidity.
3. Choose the right style
There are several styles of landscape edging available, from straight lines to curvy designs. Consider the style of your garden and the overall look you are trying to achieve.
4. Determine the length and height
It’s important to measure the length and height of the edging required to create a smooth, consistent line in your garden. Be sure to choose an appropriate length and height for your needs.
5. Budget
Landscape edging can range from budget-friendly to high-end options. Consider your budget when choosing your material and style. A DIY project can save money and create a custom look.
By following these tips, you can choose the perfect landscape edging material and style for your garden without breaking the bank. Remember to keep in mind the purpose, climate, style, length, and height, and your budget to make sure you get the best value for your money.
Conclusion
Edging your garden is a simple but effective way to give your outdoor space a polished and finished look.
Not only does it add definition and structure to your garden, but it also helps keep plants and mulch in place, preventing erosion and creating a neat and tidy appearance.
With a little creativity and some affordable landscape edging materials, you can easily achieve a clean look without breaking the bank.
Whether you choose to go with traditional options like brick or stone or opt for more unconventional ideas like recycled materials or DIY projects, the key is to find a style that works for your garden and your budget.
So get out there and start defining your garden spaces with cheap landscape edging ideas today!
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