The Best Garden Edging Ideas to Instantly Elevate Your Landscaping

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Increase your curb appeal by incorporating these incredible garden edging ideas in your landscape.

the best garden edging ideas for beginner gardeners

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A well-defined edge can transform your garden, adding structure and beauty while keeping plants neatly contained. Whether you’re going for a charming cottage garden look or an elegant formal garden, choosing the right garden edging material enhances your landscape’s style. Adding edging to our garden was one of the simplest changes that made a big impact in it’s overall look!

In this post, we’ll cover popular garden edging materials, along with their pros and cons, and beautiful ideas to implement in your own garden. Plus, we’ll discuss where to place edging in your garden for maximum impact!

Why Garden Edging Matters

Before we dive into the best materials to use, let’s talk about why garden edging is a key component of any landscape. A well-placed border:

Defines garden beds, creating a polished, finished look
Prevents grass or weeds from creeping into flower beds
Keeps soil and mulch contained, reducing erosion
Adds visual interest and structure to your landscape

potager garden with gravel pathway lined with stone edging — Stones Throw Farm

The Best Edging Materials

1. Boxwoods & Evergreens: The Living Border

For a soft, organic garden edge, consider using boxwoods, lavender, or small evergreen shrubs. These plants create a natural barrier while adding structure and greenery or a pop of color.

Pros:

Adds a lush, classic look
Provides a living border
Can be trimmed into formal shapes or left informal for a cottage garden look

Cons:

Requires regular trimming to maintain its shape
Takes time to grow into a full, thick border

Garden pathway under trellis canopy lined with boxwood border pathway edging — Image Source Unknown

2. Metal Edging: Sleek & Modern

Metal edging (steel, aluminum, or corten steel) is a low-profile, modern choice for defining garden beds, pathways, or driveways. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and provides sharp, clean lines.

Pros:

Minimalist & modern look
Long-lasting and some types are rust-resistant (especially aluminum)
Great for curved or straight edges

Cons:

More expensive than some other edging materials
Can get hot in full sun, especially in warmer climates

Gravel garden walkway with metal edging — The Gardening Kind

3. Wood Edging: Rustic & Versatile

For a warm, natural feel, wood is an excellent choice. Options include cedar, redwood, reclaimed wood, or sticks, all of which can be used to create raised garden borders or rustic wooden edges.

Pros:

Blends beautifully with cottage gardens & rustic landscapes
Can be stained or left natural
Easy to install and customize
If woven sticks are used, the project cost is minimal

Cons:

Can rot over time, especially in wet climates
Can require sealing or treatment to extend lifespan

woven stick garden edging — West Country Hedge Layer

4. Stone Edging: Classic & Durable

Natural stone edging is timeless, long-lasting, and works in both formal and informal gardens. Flagstones, river rocks, and stacked stone walls can all add elegance and texture to your landscape.

Pros:

Extremely durable—lasts for decades
Adds a classic, high-end look
Great for natural, English-style gardens

Cons:

Can be heavy and difficult to install
Higher cost than some other edging materials

English garden with gravel pathway lined with stone edging — Stones Throw Farm

5. Brick Edging: Traditional & Timeless

Brick offers a charming, old-world feel that works beautifully in informal gardens, formal landscapes, or even modern yards with a vintage twist. It can be laid flat or stacked for different effects.

Pros:

Durable and weather-resistant
Adds character and warmth
Can be laid in different patterns (herringbone, basketweave, etc.)

Cons:

Takes time to install properly
Bricks may shift over time, requiring adjustments

formal Charleston garden with brick edging around garden beds — Kim Graham Photo

Where Should You Place Garden Edging?

Now that you know which materials to use, where should garden edging go?

🌿 Around flower beds to keep plants neat and prevents grass from creeping in.
🏡 Along pathways & driveways to add definition and help guide visitors through your garden.
🍀 Around trees & shrubs to create a focal point and keep mulch contained.
🌾 Between different garden zones to separate lawn from gravel, mulch, or hardscape areas.

If you enjoyed this post, check out my other posts with gardening ideas, which are featured below. I’ve also included links to some of my favorite gardening supplies.

If you’re interested in following along with my garden projects or Victorian home renovation, please visit my Instagram and TikTok pages.