Ideas for Landscaping Borders

Stones

• Introduce a rustic element to your gardens or pathways with stone edging. Use medium-size irregularly-shaped fieldstones or flagstones to add depth and block encroaching grass. Embed stones directly on dirt so they are buried up to half of their height, or lay them on a base of gravel and sand. Taking the time to first lay a 3-inch layer of gravel topped with a 1-inch layer of sand in a deeper trench will improve the garden's drainage and reduce maintenance because the stones are less likely to shift.

Bricks and Pavers

• Border landscape features with bricks or pavers to add definition to curves and shapes. Lay bricks side to side or end to end for a simple, polished look. The standard size for both is 4 x 8 inches, so you can create edging with broad curves or crisp 45-degree angles. Soften the corners of your house by adding wavy borders to front hedges. Tie large trees into the landscape with a round, triangular or rectangular border that matches the gardens. Accentuate a winding path by laying bricks or pavers end to end so they hug the edges of the surface.

Small Rocks

• River rocks and decomposed granite are more affordable than stones, bricks and pavers, and the installation process is simple. To function as a weed and grass barrier, crushed rock borders should be at least 8 inches wide. Dig out 5 inches of growth and dirt from the area where you want the borders, and set landscape fabric on the bottom so weeds don't develop underneath. Pour medium-size river rocks or crushed decomposed granite into the trench, tamp it down and add more until the border is an inch or two above ground level. River rocks come in hues of green, blue, purple and gray while decomposed granite is coated in a resin that gives it an earthy color.

Timbers

• Landscape timbers are pressure-treated wood made to last up to 15 years without rotting. Edging a walkway or plant bed with landscape timbers provides the soft, warm look of wood. Embed the timbers in a trench half as deep as the timber is tall. Connect timbers end to end and fasten them into the earth with rebar. If you want to use wood but don't like the squared edges of timbers, install wooden block edging. Wooden blocks are precut from tree stumps. Bury them half-deep in the ground, and set them flush together side by side. Pack gravel behind the stumps to block encroachment between the narrow gaps.