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About This Project
Here are plans and instructions for adding three simple, attractive, and low-maintenance borders to your garden beds.
The simplest and most subtle borders that effectively separate your lawn from a garden are 4-in. deep strips of steel, aluminum or plastic. They all bend easily into smooth, graceful curves and stop the spread of grass roots. However, painted aluminum and steel offer the sleekest, most refined look because they almost disappear against the grass and garden bed. The plastic types have a prominent black bulge along the top edge.All work best on fairly even terrain; if you have a lot of dips and rises, it’s easier to install a border more like the paver one shown below.
Although aluminum and steel cost about the same, we chose aluminum because it was much lighter. It weighs about 41 lbs. per 100 ft., while steel weighs about 225. With aluminum, you get a professional look without the heavy lifting.
Plan to set the border with the top edge about 1/2 in. above the soil level to maintain the lawn/garden separation and keep roots from crossing over the top. This makes the border almost invisible and allows you to mow right over the top. However, be aware that the thin top edge can hurt bare feet. After cutting it, make sure you round off any sharp edges with a file.
The key to setting this border is to cut a clean vertical edge along the grass with a square spade. Then you can lay the border tightly against the edge when you stake and backfill it. There’s no rule for shaping the edge. Simply follow the edges of your lawn, making smooth, gradual curves. To make smooth, sharp curves, bend the edging around a circular form.
CAUTION: Call your local utilities to locate underground lines before you dig and install all edging.
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