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Look for compact varieties, such as the diminutive, evergreen ‘Elfin’ thyme ( Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’, USDA Hardiness Zones 4–9).Most professionally designed gardens consist of a series of defined areas, each set aside for a different purpose. When selecting a ground cover, choose one that won’t grow more than a third of the way up the boulders. To make leveling easier, use builder’s sand to fill the contours of each boulder’s underside. For a natural look, bury the boulders at least 3 to 4 inches deep some boulders may need to be placed deeper to maintain a consistent height down the row. Line up the boulders, spacing them 6 to 12 inches apart to allow room for a ground cover to creep in between. Installation tip: Start by clearing the area and loosely excavating the soil. Choose boulders that are of a similar size, shape, and color, and arrange them so that they appear as a continuous mass, rather than as distinct, individual elements. For a soft-looking edge, consider surrounding a row of flat-topped boulders with a well-mannered ground cover. ![]() Their domineering size makes any spot they’re situated in an automatic focal point. You can’t miss a bed lined with boulders. ![]() Some metal edgings make the anchoring process even easier: These products come with a series of horizontal metal straps attached to one side into which you insert the metal stakes. To anchor the edging, pound in matching metal stakes on both sides. Place a 2×4 on the top edge and, using a rubber mallet or small sledgehammer, drive the edging into the ground. To install either type, check your soil first if it’s relatively soft, there’s no need to dig a trench. It’s either made of heavy-gauge aluminum, which does not rust, or weather-resistant steel. Installation tip: Like plastic bender board, metal edging comes in long strips and in similar lengths, heights, widths, and colors. Furthermore, because of its ability to remain unflinchingly straight, it complements and reinforces strong geometry in modern designs. It is especially useful for creating a crisp separation between gravel and planted areas. With its whisper-thin silhouette, it forms an inconspicuous, clean line between disparate elements. Long in vogue in botanical gardens and commercial settings, metal edging is becoming an increasingly popular option in home gardens. If you’re a novice at pouring concrete, start with a simple, straight edge, rather than a series of intricate curves. Once you’ve filled them to the brim with concrete, run a 2×4 across their tops to smooth the surface. (All of these products are commonly sold at lumberyards and big-box hardware stores.) Make sure your forms are parallel and level. Use rigid lumber, flexible hardboard siding, or bender board to build the forms. Installation tip: The greatest challenge when installing concrete edging is properly setting up the forms-the temporary sides into which you’ll pour the concrete. Above ground, you can personalize a concrete edge by imprinting shapes, such as fallen leaves pressing in pebbles, shells, tiles, or decorative glass or mixing in pigment for a dash of color. If the goal is to corral an aggressive grass or discourage gophers and moles, dig a 6- to 12-inch-deep trench for your concrete. Plus, you can vary its height, both above and below ground. Poured concrete is fluid-at least during the installation phase-so just about any shape is possible, from the tightest curve to the flattest, longest run. In fact, you’ll find instruction and inspiration for gardeners of every skill level. #How to install plastic edging for landscaping how toSubscribe to Fine Gardening magazine to learn more basic techniques like how to edge your garden. But their aesthetic value is perhaps their greatest asset, ranging from nearly invisible to command performers. On function alone, they will keep your garden neat and tidy by holding back soil, defining beds, blocking the relentless march of invasive roots, and preventing mulch from migrating. Take a look at the following six low-maintenance options. Others, such as concrete and boulders, require a weekend or longer to complete and may challenge you to learn some new skills. You can install some materials, such as metal and bender board, in an afternoon. Whether you want to dress up a swath of perennials, draw attention to a bench in the distance, or simply keep gravel inbounds, freshening up your edges often does the trick. Installing new edging is one of the easiest, fastest ways to improve the overall appearance of your garden. If your garden needs a boost, perhaps it’s time to rethink your edges. ![]()
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