How to Make a Neat Edge for Your Flower Bed
It may not seem like the edge of your flower bed matter. However, the truth is that a neat edge on a garden bed can give your landscape a more professional appearance. Thankfully, making a neat edge is a simple task that you can learn in just a few minutes.
Neat edges on your flower beds are a sign of a well-cared-for landscape. While these edges are a subtle detail compared to the rest of your garden, they are surprisingly effective in making your garden look like a professional team created it. Along with that visual appeal, a good edge also serves a functional role by setting a clear delineation between your beds and the other areas of your property. That is why we created this guide to help you create by yourself.
Define the Shape of the Bed
Before you make your flower bed edge, you need to define the shape and size of your flower bed. You’ll have complete artistic license over the general form of the bed. The more important matter here is that you have a clear idea of what you intend to create from the beginning. One of the best ways to envision your flower bed is to lay a rope or some similar item on the ground. A garden hose will work well for this as well. Once you have made your flower bed shape, you can follow along your hose as you cut the edge.
At times, it can be tempting to make a bed with many wild curving lines. These complex curves may be your preference. However, there are a few reasons they may not be the most desirable shape. First, the more complicated your bed shape is, the harder it will be to make an accurate edge that matches your intended shape. Also, if your flower bed borders a lawn, a complex shape will make it difficult to maneuver your lawnmower around the bed. For those reasons, keeping your bed shape simple is likely a better choice.
Cut the Edge With a Flat Shovel
The quickest and easiest way to make an edge for your flower bed is to use a flat shovel. At your local garden supply store, you’ll find some shovels whose main purpose is to create garden bed edges. But if you don’t have one of those specialty edging shovels, any shovel with a flat blade will work. Once you have that tool, follow these steps until you have cut a neat edge along the entire perimeter of the bed:
- Alight the blade of the shovel with your guideline
- Use your foot to press the shovel into the earth
- Remove about one to two inches of soil
- Continue the first three steps while following your guideline
After you complete that process, there is one important tip that you will need to follow to ensure that your edge is as effective as it can be. Make sure that you never fill your edge to the top with soil or mulch. Filling the edge will make the edge less definitive. It will also make it far easier for plants from outside the bed to grow into the bed. So, instead of filling the edge, make sure that you leave about an inch or two of the edge empty.
As we just mentioned, this is by far the fastest way to make a neat edge. However, this method is also the least long-lasting. Since there is no physical material holding the soil in place, the edge will eventually erode. Because of that natural process, this method requires you to recreate your edge occasionally. If that does not sound appealing to you, the next section will provide you with some alternative options.
Consider an Edge Material
Instead of simply cutting the earth with a shovel, you can use a stronger material that will hold your garden bed edge in place for longer. Here are a few of the most common materials that gardeners use to make neat edges on their flower beds:
- Natural stone
- Bricks
- Pavers
- Synthetic edge materials such as vinyl
Making an edge with these materials will take much longer, but your edge will have greater longevity. This approach also gives you the chance to select a material that will complement and enhance the appearance of your garden.
Why Flower Bed Edges Are Important
Flower bed edges contribute to the overall visual effect that your garden has. However, there is also a practical use for these edges. In most cases, flower beds will exist adjacent to a lawn or some other planted area. A strong edge to the bed serves as a barrier between those two spaces. Regardless of how you make your edge, it will help to prevent grass or other plants from growing into your flower beds. This can make maintenance easier as there is less of a chance that you will need to pull unwanted plants out of your garden.
