Pergola Ideas That Will Add Style and Shade to Your Backyard

Edging comes in many different materials from plastic to metal to wood to stone. Choose a type that echoes your garden's style. For example, stone looks charming in a cottage garden, while the crisp edges of metal work in a garden with a more contemporary feel. Now, we won't lie to you: Installing edging takes a little work, but if done well, the results can last for years. Different types of edging also require different levels of effort. For example, pound-in types can be hammered into the ground with a rubber mallet, while long rolls of edging require a trench to be dug for installation.

Plastic isn’t glamorous, but it inexpensive and lasts for many years. It comes in long rolls which require you to dig a trench in which to sink the edge. The rolls can be unwieldy to handle, so enlist a helper for easier installation.

A few companies now make recycled rubber edging that’s pounded into place. It’s nearly indestructible though it's not always aesthetically appealing in formal or cottage-style gardens. Many types of metal edging are no-dig, meaning you hammer them into the ground. It's hard on your hands to install, so wear heavy work gloves when handling. Painted finishes or galvanized metal last the longest.