Rock Garden Edging Ideas [Step by Step Instructions and Pictures] (2023)

The garden is a popular choice for improving the outdoor space of homes and businesses. So when you're finishing a garden, you want a clean, polished look, not an abrupt end to the row. This clearly separates the garden area from the rest of the terrace. It is also useful to:

• Make mowing easier without the fear of getting too close to garden plants.
• Store mulch and garden plants.
• Add an extra decorative touch to your garden.

Stone is a very versatile material for garden edging and can create many different looks. Placing stones in mortar gives your garden a more formal look, while simply placing stones around the perimeter of the garden creates a more relaxed and informal atmosphere.

We have gathered a lot of information on the subject of stone edging for you. Read on to find out everything you need to know about using stone edging to give your garden a great finish!

Types of stone borders

There are many different types of stone edging for use in a garden. Each type has its own unique look that can add to the overall design of a garden. As you read, consider what you plan to use the stone for and the complexity of your border design to learn more about the different types of stone available.

cut stone

Cut stone garden edging is made from large quantities of machine cut bricks. This allows you to create many different designs in your borders. This type of stone edging is a little expensive, but it is durable and will last for many years.

You can create a border wall by stacking these types of stones on top of each other. You can also use mortar to join the stones together to create a more stable edge.

In addition, it is easy to care for and weeds only occasionally grow between the stones. However, this fairing is quite heavy and you should consider hiring a professional to install it properly.

Slate garden border

Shale is a bluish gray, layered slab of sedimentary rock. It is flat rather than round and can have irregular and smooth surfaces.

These stones facilitate the creation of a contour that is higher than one at ground level. You can stack the flat stones on top of each other to build a kind of wall without resorting to mortar.

You can also use smaller pieces or chips and stack them to the sides to create a unique garden border. This is a great choice for giving your garden a well-defined border that requires very little maintenance.

However, shale layers can occasionally peel or peel off. This can be frustrating, especially when the slabs are stacked, as it can make the wall unstable.

Flussfelsenkante

River rock, or stone as it is sometimes called, is another good choice for garden edging. River rocks are rocks smoothed by running water that come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes, allowing homeowners to easily customize their garden.

Lining the edge of a more complex garden with river stones is easy as you simply scatter them along your chosen path. However, be careful and use a curtain under these stones to discourage weed growth.

However, these types of stone edges are also more likely to be caught by a lawnmower and shot across the yard. So be careful when using them as tips.

To find this selection of river rock on Amazon, clickHere.

shingle

Pebbles are similar to river rocks in that they are smaller, smoother stones. These can be less expensive than the larger bricks mentioned earlier and easier to use than bricks that have to be assembled. They also work well in areas that tend to be washed away by rain, as they allow water to flow freely over them.

However, pebbles can be more expensive. A bag of pebbles priced at $1 a pound may seem like a good deal, but you need a lot of these smaller rocks to cover a large area.

To find these pebbles on Amazon, clickHere.

terracotta

Terracotta garden edging is usually made of fired clay with patterns printed on them. This is a classic border traditionally found in English gardens. These tiles have the earthy orange color that is characteristic of terracotta.

This border will be a little more delicate than the previous options, although with good care it will last for many years. Tearing and cracking is a major problem with terracotta edging, so be aware of the wear and tear your edging can suffer.

great

Gravel is an excellent choice for garden beds. It helps retain water under rocks and retains heat well, making it a good choice for colder climates.

However, this stone border needs a good coating to keep it in place. The leaf must be at least 2.5 cm higher than the top of the gravel, otherwise it could enter the garden.

Additionally, if you apply a very thick layer, plants growing near the edge may not be able to spread as usual. To avoid this problem, make sure you only use a layer about 5 cm high.

To find this gravel on Amazon, clickHere.

cast stone

Artificial stone production involves masonry based on the appearance of natural stone. These may consist of cement, sand, crushed stone or gravel and may be colored with mineral pigments. The manufacturing process of artificial stone offers many possibilities.

It is a very durable and low maintenance option. It is also easier to work with due to its lighter weight. Its porous construction also makes it easy to cut, again making it a good choice when you need unusual or unique shapes for the intended edge to work well.

However, as a manufactured stone, you won't find many of the details you would find in natural stone. Also, depending on the quality of engineered stone you use, it may not be as durable as natural stone and may show some color changes with age.

This type of stone is often, but not always, much more affordable than natural stone options.

Advantages and disadvantages of using stone edging

Stone edges have many good qualities that attract people who want to use them. However, there are also some problem areas.

Advantages:

• Stone typically requires much less maintenance than other organic edging materials.
• It does not need to be replaced like wood or wood mulch, significantly reducing your overall costs.
• The rock is heavy, making it harder to be blown by the wind or knocked over by people or animals, which encourages erosion. However, this problem can also occur with smaller stones such as pebbles.
• Weeds have a harder time growing through rock edges, especially when used with landscape foil.

Disadvantages:

• Stones can store heat and thus ensure a higher temperature in your garden. This can cause your plants to need more water and wilt faster.
• Rocks can also change soil pH, which can harm trees and plants depending on your preferences.
• If you decide to remove stones from the edge of your garden, removing them can be a hassle. They will have to be removed by hand and as the stones are heavy they can sink into the ground. This can make them even harder to get rid of, especially with smaller rocks like gravel or pebbles.

How much do stone borders cost?

The total cost of your particular project depends on many unique factors. The stone cladding you use, the quantity you need, and whether you install it yourself or hire a professional are important deciding factors.

On average, however, prices can range from as little as a dollar per pound for river rock or pebbles to $30 to $40 a foot for cut rock placed by a landscaper.

How are stone borders connected?

If you are thinking of installing your stone border, you can always hire a professional landscaper to do the job for you. However, installing stone panels is not a difficult task in itself. You still need some knowledge to get it right, but it's a fairly simple process once you learn how. Follow these simple steps to easily make your own stone garden border.

1. Start preparing your area.

Using a garden hose, mark the area where the stone is to be attached. A garden hose is long and flexible, which makes it easy to customize because you can get it exactly how you want it. You can also easily view a garden hose from many different distances and angles, making it a better option than using string or twine to outline the edges of your garden.

To find this hose on Amazon, clickHere.

2. Spray paint along the pipe to mark the line on the lawn.

This way you can mark exactly where the line needs to go and then dig without fear of the pipe slipping. For this step, be sure to use glossy paint that is easily visible. Use red when spray painting your line on the grass or bright orange. These colors are distinctly green and brown.

To find this spray paint on Amazon, clickHere.

3. Dig up the grass in the area.

You want to make sure you remove all the grass and weeds from the area. Dig a shallow trench for the stones to rest. You can remove grass and other vegetation with a shovel, then use a pickaxe to break up the dirt and rocks underneath. Then use a hand shovel to remove any debris and form your trench. Then compact the soil at the bottom of the trench with your foot or with a block and hammer.

To find this shovel on Amazon, clickHere.

To find this option on Amazon, clickHere.

To find this shovel on Amazon, clickHere.

4. Fill the free area with sand or cover with aluminum foil.

If you decide to use a larger slab of rock or stone, you will need a layer of sand to hold the stone in place. If you are using smaller rocks such as pebbles or river rocks, you will need a heavy garden cloth to line the trench before watering to prevent weeds or other plants from growing between the rocks.

To find this arena on Amazon, click here.

To find this landscape building material on Amazon, clickHere.

5. Attach the edge of the stone.

Now simply place the stone cladding on the prepared area. If using gravel or pebbles, throw the rocks into the prepared area. If using larger stones, tap them into place with a rubber mallet and secure them together. Then fill the gaps between and around the stones with soil or sand to ensure a firm edge.

To find this rubber mallet on Amazon, clickHere.

Video on how to install end blocks

If you'd rather see a process in action than try it, we've found a great video that details the steps above.

Examples of stone borders

This is an excellent example of how naturally cut stone forms a stone border. As you can see, the landscaper used these flatter stones stacked on top of each other to create a raised edge. This is a useful technique for holding soil, mulch and plants in the garden bed.

This image shows two different techniques. The first variation uses thin, flat stones to create a low lip. The second variation uses larger, rounder stones to create a simple bed of smaller bedding plants. Both edges serve to limit the garden bed and mark the separation between the terrace and the garden.

This stone border was built with mortar to hold the bricks together rather than simply stacking them together. This creates a much more stable edge that can take more pressure from soil and garden plants while still providing protection.

These rims are made of stones that are much larger than pebbles, but the overall appearance is very similar. Although they do not provide drainage for smaller rocks, these rocks provide good protection for the bed soil and prevent it from being washed away in heavy rain.

These carved stones add a very rustic touch to this garden. The large shape lends itself to creating a raised perimeter wall for this bed, while using the natural look of the stone to complement the garden design.

These stones have been cut from bricks to create this elegant and polished border. It is not suitable as a border to contain soil and mulch in the bed, but it forms a sharp border between the terrace and the garden.

This garden edging uses a variety of landscape stones such as river stones and pebbles to create a double border. This type of edging is great for water drainage, especially near the wall of the house in the picture.

This stone border uses grout to create a unique looking border. The raised stones keep the bed under control, while the flat stones, called "mowing strips" in this design, create a large overhang next to the lawn that makes mowing easier.

The flat slate used here forms a wide border at ground level to facilitate garden maintenance without disturbing the bed. This type of setting would be made of sand to hold the stone in place, rather than a setting used with smaller rocks such as river rock.

These cut stones make a great border for this fence. Their shape is reminiscent of the shape of fences, adding to the overall look of the garden while defining the edges of the space.

These river stones are used in a unique way to create an interesting border. Because it is below the lawn line, which makes mowing easier, it also allows excess water to drain off.

Degree

There are many options when considering stone for your garden, and once you've decided on the type of stone, there are even more ways to install it to suit your taste. As you can see, stone is a great choice to create a look that fits your patio and garden perfectly and will last for many years. Choose from these great edging options and create a gorgeous garden border that will keep your flower beds under control and looking beautiful.