Edgings are low barriers that not only visually separate the individual beds from the paths and the rest of the garden (and therefore ensure a tidy appearance), but also keep weeds and pests out and also make the kitchen garden easier to maintain. Furthermore, an edging should ensure that the valuable fertile soil remains within the bed areas.
A frame made of wood looks classy
living mounts
Living bed borders made of different plants look particularly beautiful. For these, however, you must plan somewhat wider strips than for metal or other inanimate frames. In addition, lively borders naturally also require their level of care.
Bed borders for cottage gardens
Dense box hedges with a maximum height of 30 centimeters are typical of traditional cottage gardens. Some gardeners also appreciate Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys), which is also winter green, as an alternative to this evergreen barrier. Boxwood and Germander must be trimmed regularly because a hedge that is too high robs the vegetable plants of the sun they need.
Also helps against pests: edging made of herbs
Perennial herbs such as sage, thyme, winter savory and low hyssop varieties can be used to create an aromatic border that can also confuse pests and keep them away from vegetables. On the other hand, higher-growing and thus shady species such as lavender, holy herb and winewort are more suitable for enclosing larger kitchen garden areas.
Summer flowers as a contrast to the vegetables
Perennials and summer flowers are also very suitable for edging beds, provided they are not too tall. Cushion phlox and catnip make attractive flowering borders but need to be controlled and often divided after a few years. Among the short-lived summer flowers, marigolds and marigolds are particularly popular border plants - not only because they look pretty, but also because they can help reduce nematodes in the soil.
Inanimate frames
A very simple variant of an inanimate border are slabs, bricks or boards buried on edge. If you like it more professional, you can also fall back on the extensive range of specialist shops. Here you will find, for example, robust and durable bed edges made of plastic or metal, some of which are already designed as snail protection fences. Short, semi-circular wooden palisades are also popular for edging beds, but they are not nearly as durable as metal or plastic materials.
tips
Border plants need to be placed quite densely; Of course, you should not lose sight of the recommended minimum distances here either.