If you’re looking for creative ways to enhance the aesthetics of your garden while maintaining a clean and organized look, landscape edging is the way to go. Among the various options available, concrete or brick pavers offer a simple yet striking border that not only keeps grass out but also allows plants to overflow without intruding onto the lawn. Let’s explore three simple landscape edging ideas using pavers.
Paver Garden Border
Concrete or brick pavers are an excellent choice when you want a wide border that complements your garden’s design. They are particularly well-suited for both formal gardens with straight lines and informal yards with gentle curves and varying slopes. With pavers, you can easily adjust and adapt them to fit the contours of your uneven yard. However, if you have tight curves, you may need to modify the design and cut the pavers to fit using a diamond blade saw.
To create a paver garden border, start by using a garden hose to outline the shape and curves of your desired edging. Feel free to adjust the trench slightly as you cut the edge to achieve smooth curves or modify the shape of your garden bed. For straight borders, follow a tightly stretched string line.
Next, dig a 4-inch deep trench that is slightly wider than the brick pattern. Use a square spade to ensure a clean and square edge along the grass. Cut landscape fabric to fit the bottom and sides of the trench, and then add about 2 inches of sand. Smooth and flatten the sand using a block of wood.
One crucial point to remember is to set the front edge of the pavers about 1/2 inch above the soil in the lawn. This ensures that the grass can be cut cleanly by the lawn mower. While you have the option to level the pavers from front to back to maintain a consistent height, it’s not necessary. In fact, on slopes, it may look more visually appealing to set them on an angle. Just make sure that the top of each paver is flush with its neighbor and that the front edges create a smooth line. If needed, you can use a block of wood and a hammer or a rubber mallet to adjust the height and make sure they align perfectly. Feel free to experiment with the positioning to suit the needs and aesthetics of your garden.
Concrete pavers are designed for durability in outdoor environments, while brick pavers offer a charming and classic look. Note that regular bricks are softer and more prone to breakage, so be sure to choose the right materials for your project.
By using pavers as a garden border, you can create a distinct and attractive edging that adds structure and elegance to your outdoor space. Whether you opt for a formal or informal design, these simple landscape edging ideas are sure to transform your garden into a beautiful and well-defined sanctuary.