Pavers as Garden Edging - Creative Ideas

Garden beds and borders are often defined by edging. Rather than using typical plastic or metal edging, pavers offer a creative way to edge landscape beds with beauty and flair. Pavers as edging provide a polished, finished look to gardens while also preventing soil, mulch, and plants from spreading.

This decorative edging technique can transform a basic garden bed into a focal feature. Pavers lend color, texture, and definition to softscape plantings. They also contrast nicely against lawns and pathways. With a variety of paver shapes, sizes, colors and patterns to choose from, the design options are endless.

Benefits of Pavers as Garden Edging

Using pavers as edging offers many advantages over other edging materials:

• Defines and contains beds and borders - Keeps planting areas neatly contained
• Provides a finished, upscale look - More refined than plastic borders
• Creates a decorative focal point - Pavers become a visual feature, not just a utility
• Offers durability and longevity - Outlasts metal and plastic edging
• Allows for design flexibility and creativity - Mix colors, patterns, and shapes
• Prevents soil and mulch from spilling over - Keeps planting beds neat and tidy

The structured, clean lines of pavers give planting beds and gardens a polished, intentional look. This type of hardscape edging frames softscape plantings elegantly. The durability of pavers also contains beds and borders effectively to keep your landscape design looking sharp.

Types of Pavers for Edging Gardens

Several types of pavers work well as garden edging, each offering different colors, textures, and looks:

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers have a classic, timeless look and feel. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid bricks and multi-colored blends. You can also find brick pavers shaped like circles, hexagons, diamonds, and more for decorative edging designs.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are generally the most affordable option for edging. Their color and texture can also be easily changed with stains and paints once installed. This allows you to create custom colors and designs.

Natural Stone Pavers

Pavers made of natural stone like granite, bluestone, or limestone lend organic, earthy beauty to garden edges. The irregular shapes, colors, and textures of natural stone emit a charming, rustic vibe.

Design Ideas and Patterns for Pavers Edging

Laying pavers in different configurations creates distinct looks for garden beds. Some popular design ideas include:

Single Row Edging

Using a single row of uniform pavers results in a clean, simple border. This traditional look works well for both formal and informal gardens.

Double Row Edging

Two rows of pavers add more detail and dimension to garden edges. The gap between the rows can be filled with pebbles or low-growing plants.

Herringbone Patterns

Laying pavers in a herringbone pattern makes for an edging that is visually interesting. The staggered bricks give movement to the border.

Curves and Waves

Gently curving or waving paver edges soften hardscape lines and complement nature's organic shapes. This works well for cottage-style gardens.

Contrasting Colors

Choose pavers in a contrasting color from the rest of your hardscape and plants. This makes the edging pop as an eye-catching decorative feature.

Let your creativity run wild when laying pavers in garden bed edges. Combine colors, shapes, textures and patterns to reflect your unique personality and landscape style.

Installation Tips for Pavers as Edging

Proper installation ensures pavers function well as edging and last a long time. Here are some tips for optimal installation:

• Dig a trench 6-8 inches deep where you want the border. This will contain and anchor the pavers.
• Compact and level the soil trench to prepare an even base.
• Add a 1-2 inch bed of sand and use a straight board to screed it perfectly level.
• Set the paver edging stones snugly against each other. Use spacers to keep consistent gaps.
• Sweep sand over the pavers and into joints, then tamp down with a rubber mallet.
• Fill remaining joints with polymeric sand and moisten to solidify.

Proper paver installation prevents shifting and sinking to maintain straight, sturdy edging that withstands weather and heavy use. For curves, cut pavers with a masonry saw to achieve tight seams.

Creative Paver Edging Ideas

Now that the basics are covered, here are some creative ways to utilize pavers as edging in your garden and landscapes:

Define Planting Beds

Use pavers to edge planting beds and contain mulch, soil, and plants. Try mixing paver types, colors and laying patterns for visual interest.

Border Pathways

Mark the edges of garden paths with pavers. This keeps gravel or mulch contained. For a lush look, plant thyme or other creeping plants between pavers.

Circle Tree Rings

Ring trees and tree beds with pavers to protect trunks from string trimmers and lawn mowers. Choose pavers that complement the tree's color for a cohesive look.

Terrace Retaining Walls

Build short retaining walls with pavers to create planting terraces. This adds dimension and functionality to slopes and hillsides.

Line Drainage Swales

Define drainage swales with paver edging. This stabilizes the soil while allowing water flow. Use river rock or gravel between pavers.

Decorate Steps

Adorn the sides of garden steps and stair risers with pavers. Lay them in fun patterns for an eye-catching look and feel underfoot.

Combine natural boulders with strips of pavers to edge gardens with a rustic vibe. This works great for xeriscaping and rock gardens.

Whether modern, classic or cottage-style, pavers lend beauty and function as creative edging solutions. Let them frame and enhance your garden beds, paths, trees and slopes with artful appeal.