Wood Edging

• Use landscape timbers for square garden edges. For round garden beds, small, wooden peg-like edging connected with metal offers greater flexibility. Use only weather-treated lumber in the garden.
  
  

Groundcover

• Choose low-mounding perennial flowers for an eye-catching border around the garden. A small trench just before groundcover planting helps keep groundcover plants in and weeds out. Consider existing flowers in the garden when choosing a ground-cover edge. Groundcover plants should be noticeably shorter than the other plants in the flowerbed.
  
  

Natural Materials

• Borrow materials from the environment for a natural feel in the garden. Digging a small trench around the bed's perimeter and lining it with small pebbles, river rock, shells or flat stone adds a rustic charm. This edge is both attractive and low maintenance.
  
  

Go Green

• Reuse common items in the garden for a green feel. Dig a trench around the garden and line the edge with old wine bottles. Bury bottle necks 2 inches for a colorful edge. Rubber tire mats provide an effective barrier for weeds and allow easy mowing around beds.