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Garden edging ideas

By Tom Drake | 13th February 2024 | 4 min read

Whether you're looking to define the borders of your flower beds, keep your lawn neatly separated from your garden, or add a decorative touch to your outdoor space, there are countless garden edging ideas to consider. From traditional materials like brick and stone to more modern options like metal and plastic, in this guide, we take you through garden edging ideas that will enhance the overall look of your garden.

Edging rolls

The edging roll is one of the easiest ways to add edging to your garden. These rolls come with pre-connected wooden pieces, making it easy to unroll and install them.

The flexibility of edging rolls makes them an ideal choice for anyone looking to move away from straight lines in their garden and create unique curved borders. Edging rolls are available in a range of different sizes and for that personal touch, you can even customise them with paint.

Log roll edging with plants behind and grey gravel in frontLog roll edging with plants behind and grey gravel in frontLog roll edging with plants behind and grey gravel in frontLog roll edging with plants behind and grey gravel in front

Fixed log edging

Another easy-to-install option, this edging style is supplied pre-constructed with stakes. This means you don’t need to worry about how you’re going to secure it into the ground. Simply hammer it in and you’ve got a beautiful border.

Fixed log edging doesn't offer the same flexibility as log rolls, but it's perfect for anyone looking to quickly install a straight border in their garden.

Steel edging

Metal garden edging is an excellent choice for those seeking to incorporate a modern, industrial aesthetic into their garden.

Metal garden edging is supplied in rolls that can be easily cut to size. It’s also flexible, making it easily adaptable to both curved and straight edges. Metal edging is highly durable and will require less maintenance than some of the other options here.

Steel garden edging diving grass and barkSteel garden edging diving grass and barkSteel garden edging diving grass and barkSteel garden edging diving grass and bark

Mini picket fence

If you’re looking for an attractive way to edge your garden, why not go for a small picket fence? Mini picket fences are supplied pre-constructed with stakes, so all you need to do is hammer them into the ground. They’re a great option for those desiring a slightly taller alternative to a small log roll, without the expense and effort of constructing a full fence.

Brick edging

Brick edging is a classic garden edging style that still looks great today. Although it may take more time and care to install than some of the other solutions on this list, brick edging is long-lasting and will require little maintenance.

There are several different ways to lay brick garden edging, which will all give your garden a distinctive look. You can lay bricks in a straight or curved line to add some intrigue to your garden space. You can also lay bricks vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or create a small planter.

Bricks are available in a range of colours, so you can choose the perfect style to complement your garden and home.

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Living edging

For those seeking a natural and environmentally friendly edging option, living edging stands out as an excellent choice.

As the name implies, living edging involves utilising plants to establish a garden border. This edging solution will create a smooth and elegant transition from the lawn to the garden, adding a vibrant and lively atmosphere to the entire outdoor space.

Using living edging will introduce an array of colours, textures, and plant varieties into your garden. It will also create a welcoming habitat for wildlife and insects.

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Timber edging

If you’re looking for a low-cost garden edging option that’s easy to install, consider timber edging. Timber will provide your garden with a natural and rustic aesthetic, giving warmth and character to your garden borders.

Whether you decide to upcycle an old piece of timber or purchase it new, timber edging can be very cost-effective. You can also paint or stain your timber edging in any colour you like, giving you a wealth of customisation options.

Although timber edging can be easy to install, it’s important to remember it will require more maintenance than some of the other options on this list.

timber lawn edging in front of bark bordertimber lawn edging in front of bark bordertimber lawn edging in front of bark bordertimber lawn edging in front of bark border

Railway sleepers

If you’re looking to add a more substantial border to your garden, consider railway sleepers.

Railway sleepers will give your garden a modern yet rustic feel and will help to seamlessly blend your lawn into the edge of your garden. The size and weight of railway sleepers make them well-suited to retaining soil or gravel, making them an ideal option for creating raised beds.

You can customise the look of your railway sleepers using a paint or wood stain to help them blend into the aesthetic of your garden.

Wood railway sleeper garden border with plants behindWood railway sleeper garden border with plants behindWood railway sleeper garden border with plants behindWood railway sleeper garden border with plants behind

Neat lawn edging

If you don’t want to spend the extra time and money involved in creating garden edging, you can still create a neat border using lawn edging tools.

A lawn that’s finished neatly and has a defined edge can look just as good as a lawn with specific edging installed. Use a lawn edger to give your lawn a well-defined border, then make sure you use a grass trimmer regularly to keep the edge straight. This option is perfect for anyone looking to create a natural garden space that still looks neat.

trimming edge of a lawn using a strimmertrimming edge of a lawn using a strimmertrimming edge of a lawn using a strimmertrimming edge of a lawn using a strimmer

Gravel edging

Gravel edging provides a natural and low-maintenance option that seamlessly integrates into various garden styles, from contemporary to rustic. You can use gravel in straight or curved lines to give your garden visual interest. When combined with a suitable weed control fabric, gravel is also ideal for helping to prevent weed growth in problem areas of your garden.

gravel garden edginggravel garden edginggravel garden edginggravel garden edging

In conclusion, there’s a huge range of creative and practical garden-edging ideas available that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Garden edging can help complete the look of your garden and for that reason, you should take the time to get it right.

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Digital Content Writer Tom Drake

Tom Drake

Digital Content Writer

A digital copywriter with over 5 years’ experience, Tom has written for several publications on a wide range of topics. He now crafts content for B&Q on subjects ranging from DIY and home improvement, to the latest industry trends...Read more