I recently saw my neighbor using this in his backyard and I loved it creates an elegant transition between your garden beds and the rest of the lawn. It also helps keep grass and weeds from invading your planting areas, while also helping to guide water flow, which is especially important in regions struggling with water scarcity.

While there is no one-size-fits-all edging solution, choosing a durable, long-lasting material that fits your overall landscape design will help you achieve the best results. The most popular choices are wood, metal, and plastic.

Steel edging is very common and often used by professional designers (it can be seen in many of the gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show). This durable, long-lasting option comes in a variety of colors and finishes including black, green, brown, and unpainted corten steel that starts out gray and weathers to a rusty patina. Corten steel edging is especially attractive in modern garden designs and complements the natural, earthy hues of Southwestern landscape designs.

Step-by-Step Edging: A DIY Guide to Enhancing Your Garden

Wood garden edging is another affordable, low-maintenance option that adds a lovely look to garden beds. It comes in several styles and shapes, such as simple timber sleepers sunk into the sides of straight beds or staggered half-log designs that provide a more natural look. Wood edging is available in pressure-treated options that guard against termites and fungus and can be painted or stained to match your landscape.

Composite edging is made from a combination of recycled and natural materials, such as wood fibers and plastic, and can be installed without digging a trench. It is also resistant to rot, fungus, and insect damage. It is available in a range of colors and lengths and is easily installed by simply pushing it into the soil.