The Top 42 Garden Edging Ideas
“A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.”- Liberty Hyde Bailey
You’ve decided that you’re going to build a garden in your yard. That’s great, you have the space picked out, and you know what you want to plant. There’s just one thing left to do. You need to choose the edging material that you want to go around the outside of your garden.
The material you choose needs to be sturdy enough to last. It’ll hold back your grass on one side and keep your mulch and dirt contained on the other. You also should pick something that is nice to look at. You want to enhance the look of your garden and yard with a decorative yet also functional garden edging. Check out these garden edging ideas to get inspired and create something impressive in your yard.
1. Pavers Garden Edging Ideas
If you already have paving stones in your yard, then why not create a cohesive look by using them for your edging? Extend the pavers out toward your garden. When you want to create the edge, turn the paver up on end to create a solid visual edge that also blends in.
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Another option is to choose a contrasting paver. It could be a different size or color from the ones you’re using for your driveway or walkway. Then use this different paver to create a line around the outside. This creates your edging while also tying everything together.
2. Wood Garden Edging Ideas
Wood can give your garden border a rustic look. Choose reclaimed wood or salvaged railroad ties. This aged wood is solid and perfect for creating a border around your garden. If this is too farmhouse or rustic for your home, you can choose a wood that is more finished.
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Planks of wood turned on their side can create a miniature wall around your garden. You can sink them into the ground, but then you’ll need to treat the wood, or it’ll rot. Another better option is to hold the planks of wood in place with metal stakes or brackets.
Having planks on their side can create a deep bed for your garden; you can add soil and create a richer soil composition for your plants.
The third option for your wood is to create a small edge out of wood stakes that are positioned next to each other on end. You could place them individually or buy a kit that comes with the wood preassembled.
3. Concrete/Render Garden Edging Ideas
You could hire a contractor to come out and create custom concrete edging for your landscaping. However, this is expensive and may not be worth the investment required. Instead, you can buy pre-made concrete edging pieces. These pieces come in a wide range of patterns, designs, and sizes.
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If you decide to go this route, it’s best that you determine the general size of your garden but not its exact shape. Since these pieces come in limited shapes, you’ll need to lay them out and finish creating your garden by following the line of the edging you’ve laid out. Then you can sink the edging into the ground and finish your garden.
4. Creative Garden Edging Ideas
All of the other edging options on this list are your standard home and commercial construction solutions. But that doesn’t mean they are your only option.
If you’re a creative type, then don’t be afraid to try something unique for your landscape edging. You could line glass bottles up that are shades of bright green and rich blue. Or you could use terracotta pots. Then you could plant flowers in the pots while also using them as edging.
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If you have an issue with drainage, consider an edging idea that’s also functional. Trench edging creates a mini mote around your lawn edge. Then excess water from your yard and your garden can drain into the trench and be carried away.
If you want to reduce the maintenance required for your trench, you can buy edging material with the trench built-in. You’ll dig the trench, place the edging, and occasionally clear off the grate on top.
5. Modern Garden Edging Ideas
You can create a modern look with your edging by using multiple materials. Combining multiple edging elements together creates a custom look that’s multi-layered. You could have a metal edge with a line of river rocks and then bordered by a line of cut stones. The total border is wide, but each individual element isn’t.
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Another modern edging solution is to use an unexpected material. You could use an expensive stone like marble or granite. This stone is durable and will elevate the look of your garden. Just know that this option isn’t one you should DIY. It’ll also be significantly more expensive than other options on this list.
If your property is large and you have the space available, you could create a stunning water feature as your border. You’ll want to line the border with a material that’s impervious, such as concrete or stone. Then fill the edging void with water and add a way for the water to circulate. You could finish the look by placing river rocks in the bottom of the water feature to create a river effect.
6. Stamped or Concrete Garden Edging Ideas
One of the fastest and easiest garden bed edging solutions is stamped concrete. It comes in pre-made sections that you buy and place. It comes in various finishes, so you can have the look of natural stone, wood, or bricks. It could be any color you can imagine. If you can’t find the color you want, simply paint it.
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This poured concrete is made in molds or poured in place and then stamped to give it texture and a pattern. Concrete is a smart choice for your landscaping because it’s low maintenance, durable, and won’t corrode.
7. Raised Garden Edging Garden Edging Ideas
Raised flowerbeds should have edging or walls around them that will give them an elegant look. This could be treated wood for a rustic, farmhouse, or natural look. If you prefer something a bit more modern, then try using stacked stone. A gabion wall is also a beautiful solution.
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You can make your own gabion walls by building wood frames that you then wrap chicken wire around to create a three-dimensional open space. Then fill this space with rocks. Be sure to choose a wire that has holes small enough to stop the rocks from falling through the wire. You could leave the top open, but for a polished look, top the rocks with a bit of the wire mesh.
8. Metal Garden Edging Ideas
If you want to give your garden bed a sleek and modern look, then consider using metal to build your edge. There are long, flat sheets that can create a thin yet effective wall. The nice thing about metal is that you can easily bend it to create smooth curves.
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You can also buy long rigid pieces to create perfectly sharp corners for a more angular garden edge. Be sure to choose a metal that’s durable enough to last in the weather elements. Otherwise, that bright shiny silver will be red and rusted in no time.
If you want to use mulch, river rock, or pebbles as your border, then consider placing a metal edge in first. The metal will be strong enough to hold the rocks in place while also be low profile enough to not change the visual effect of the rocks.
9. Retaining Wall Garden Edging Ideas
A retaining wall is required when you want to build in a place where you’ll cut into the earth. Maybe you live in an area where the ground has mountains or hills. Or perhaps you want to build up your property. The retaining wall supports the weight of the earth behind it.
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A simple retaining wall is constructed from poured concrete. To give it additional strength, you can reinforce it with rebar. Other options for building your wall are stone, wood, and metal sheets.
The material you choose will depend on the size of your retaining wall and the look you’re going for. Stacked stone could be perfect for a small retaining wall in your raised garden bed. However, it may not be strong enough to hold the entire garden up.
10. Rocks And Pebbles Garden Edging Ideas
If you want to create a visual border that’s flat on the ground, then try using rocks or pebbles. This creates a decorative landscape border. To make this look work for your garden, stick with smaller rocks, like pea gravel, river rock, and pebbles.
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When laying your rocks, you don’t need to dig super deep. You just need to dig deep enough to lay a few inches deep of gravel. Lay a matting down before you add your stones. This will prevent weeds from growing up between the stones and creating a high maintenance border.
It’s also smart to add a border to your gravel edging to hold all of the stones in place. Finish the edge by pouring and smoothing the stones out.
11. Plastic Garden Edging Ideas
If you’re looking for an affordable solution, then plastic edging is your ideal choice. It’s commonly chosen for lawn edging, but you can also use it around your garden. It comes in black and will be in a big roll. You just need to measure the distance around your garden and buy a roll or several rolls long enough.
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Plastic will give your garden a clean and low profile garden design. It’s also easy to work with and something you can install yourself in a day. The downside of plastic is that it isn’t as durable as other options. It also tends to come out of the ground if you don’t install it correctly. Lawn equipment blades on lawnmowers and equipment can tear the plastic up.
12. Brick Garden Edging Ideas
Stacked bricks will give your home a classic colonial look. They’re also perfect for creating an upscale look to your home’s exterior. If you plan on using bricks for your patio or walkway, then continue using these bricks as the edging around your landscaping.
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If you want to create a raised bed, then stack the bricks on top of each other to create your desired height. Now you have a mini brick wall.
For a streamlined look, embed one row of bricks into the ground. This keeps the bricks flush with the walkway but creates a visual accent or frame around the walkway. If your sidewalk is concrete, line either side with bricks for an affordable way to elevate it.
13. Blocks Garden Edging Ideas
If you like the look of stones, but want something a little more uniform for your landscape design, then blocks of stone are a perfect choice. These aren’t your standard cinder blocks. These are cut blocks that look like stones but have a standardized size and shape. This makes working with them much easier than trying to arrange randomly sized and shaped natural stones.
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Stone edging comes in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. You’ll want to scale the stones to the size of your flower bed or vegetable garden. This will create the most curb appeal. Smaller or shorter blocks are required if you want to create more curves or try more creative landscape edging ideas.
Garden Edging FAQs
The most affordable garden edging is to use cinder blocks, glass bottles, or straps of wood. These are all things you can find for free or second-hand. You can then arrange them yourself in a way that you like best.
Start with a plan by taking into account your garden’s size and the size of the edging that you plan to use. Create the shape by removing the lawn and anything else that will hinder the placement of your edging.
If you are looking for a temporary solution that will only last a couple of years, then you can lay your pavers directly onto the dirt. However, if you’re looking for a permanent installation, then you’ll want to excavate some of the dirt and create a gravel and sand base that’s more stable.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
