Natural Stone Edging to Beautify Flower Beds
Adding elegance and definition to garden beds, natural stone makes for a versatile and striking edging material. Whether curved, straight, or tiered, stone edges provide structure while complementing floral displays. We'll explore the benefits of using natural stone for flower bed edging, material options, installation tips, and design ideas to elevate your landscape.
Benefits of Using Natural Stone for Edging
Natural stone edging offers numerous advantages over other edging materials like plastic, metal, or concrete. Here are some of the top reasons to use stone borders around flower beds:
- Defines Boundaries and Contains Soil - Stone edges prevent soil and mulch from spilling into lawns or pathways. This keeps flower beds tidy and creates a polished look.
- Smooth Finish - Natural stone has an organic, refined appearance compared to harsh man-made edging. The rounded or flat face offers a clean finish.
- Durable & Long-Lasting - Properly installed, quality stone borders last for decades without deteriorating or becoming an eyesore.
- Low Maintenance - Little upkeep is needed once in place. Simply clear away debris and occasional weeds around the edges.
- Versatile Styles - Choose rounded boulders, rectangular flagstones, or specialized landscape edging stones in colors and shapes to suit your vision.
With proper installation, natural stone edges should withstand heavy rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles, lawn equipment bumps, and even minor ground shifts without failing. Used strategically, stone accents anchor beds, provide textural contrast, protect delicate plants, enhance soil fertility and drainage, and prevent unwanted critter access.
Selecting Natural Stone Materials
For edging landscape beds, not all types of natural stone last equally. Consider climate, expected wear-and-tear, and aesthetic preferences when deciding on a material. Here are some top options:
Granite
Extremely hard and durable, granite resists weathering and scratches. The sparkling flecks add elegance. Granite stone edging costs more but lasts generations.Limestone
Subtly grained, limestone pairs well with myriad garden styles. Softer than granite, limestone edges may require occasional upkeep but provide good value.Sandstone
With rippled layers of earth tones, sandstone offers rustic beauty. Sandstone withstands weather but is prone to scratches over time. Avoid harsh garden chemicals.Slate
Slate's layered, slightly shiny appearance looks upscale in modern and cottage gardens alike. Rich gray-blue hues accent brightly colored flowers. Sturdy slate is slightly porous.Bluestone
Bluestone is a type of durable, dense sandstone in soft blue-gray. With some texture and color variation, natural bluestone fits casual to elegant garden designs.Travertine
Travertine is a cream/rust-colored limestone filled with small pores and fossils that make each piece unique. Natural travertine adds subtle southwest style but requires more sealing.Quartzite
Harder than granite, quartzite edging brings consistent neutral tones that allow vibrant plant colors to pop. Quartzite's low maintenance, unifying appearance suits modern landscapes.Consider weight, thickness, shapes available, step options, and delivery fees when researching stone purchases. Heavier granite and bluestone cost more to ship but withstand frequent high traffic. Standard edging dimensions are 4-12 inches wide by 4 inches tall and 8-12 feet long per piece with options like corner units. While natural round boulders require little cutting, installing cleanly cut rectangular stones takes more precision.
Installing Stone Edging
Proper installation ensures landscape edging stones remain securely in place for many years. Follow these basic steps:
- Clear Area and Level - Remove sod, plants, roots, etc from the installation area which should be flat and slightly sloped outward for drainage.
- Measure Space - Calculate linear footage to determine amounts needed. Add 10% extra to allow for errors and cuts.
- Dig Trench - Dig a 6-12 inch deep trench along border perimeter depending on climate and stone type/size. Deeper is better.
- Level and Compact Soil - Rake smooth soil base, tamp down with rented compacter, confirm level, and adjust as needed.
- Dry Set Stones - Place stones into trench flush with lawn level to test layout and identify adjustments.
- Install into Trench - Set each piece into place fully seated into the trench and aligned with landscape edges.
- Backfill and Tamp - Shovel soil into trench around stones up to ground level, using a tamper to set.
- Secure Stones (Optional) - For added insurance, secure stones together with landscape spikes and flexible seaming material.
Consider renting equipment like a plate compacter, trencher, stone cutting masonry saw or secateurs for large projects. Wear protective gloves, goggles, etc when handling heavy materials. Allow a drainage gap between main edging and any secondary borders inside beds.
Maintenance Tips
Expect to invest some minor annual upkeep after installing stone borders to keep them functioning and looking their best:
- Clear away debris like fallen leaves or mulch that collects around stones with a flat shovel or blower.
- Pluck out occasional weeds, grass, or invasive roots around edges. Spot treat with eco herbicides if needed.
- In regions with extreme winters, check for any shifting due to frost heaving and adjust stones as needed after ground thaws.
- Reapply protective sealer/enhancer annually on porous stones like travertine or sandstone.
- Address sunken or protruding sections by pulling stones, adding soil, tamping, and reinstalling.
Design Concepts for Stone Flower Bed Edges
Take your flower bed style to the next level with these enchanting edging ideas:
Curved Stone Borders
Soften garden angles and embrace free-flowing shapes with organically curved borders. Use rounded boulders or mix oval and rectangular flagstones to match desired dimensions. Curves create whimsical appeal while allowing easier mower and trimmer access than sharp corners.
Crisp Straight Edging
For modern symmetry, neat perpendicular lines read elegant. Use uniformly cut flagstones or blocks stacked with seaming strips. Grouped planter boxes also suit formal straight bed edging. Leave wider pathways between beds.
Color Contrast Stone Accents
Make neutral stone edging pop with contrasting mulch, plant containers or adjacent pathway materials echoing the border tones. For example, rustic red brick pathways, black polished pebbles, and rich green containers play off gray flagstone handsomely.
Integrated Stepping Stone Pathways
Interlock stepping stones into sections of landscape edging to create casual pathways accessing inner garden beds. Blend rounded concrete pavers with uneven bluestone pieces or set rectangular quartzite steps into low granite borders for Zen appeal.
Build visual drama through elevation changes. Secure wide, low borders on two sides of planting beds, then edge additional beds at higher tiers with taller stones against a hillside or stacked retaining wall leading up to focal sculptures or architectural pieces.
Let your imagination wander in planning stone-clad garden features! Accent with locally quarried materials for site-specific personality. For quick shopping, most home improvement big box stores now carry various common flagstone options, saving the heavy lifting. Discuss color and style options with knowledgeable landscaping pros at specialty stone yards in your area for a personalized touch.