Orderly borders
It is the perfect time of year to be thinking ahead to your spring landscaping projects.
Before the snow flies, now would be a good time to get an idea of where you might want to incorporate some garden borders. Perhaps you have an area where you need to contain some bulbs, place a path, or simply separate the grass from a flower garden.
For inspiration look no further than your neighborhood, public spaces, and even the
internet. Depending on what type(s) of material you choose, you can also use the space to keep more prolific plants from encroaching into other areas.
Use a rope or string to measure out the area to give you an idea of how much material you will need. Draw up your plan, and take pictures so when the ground is
snow-covered you can recall your plans. Research material prices, and possibly the
best plants you may need to incorporate into your new spaces.
Use what you have
Borders also bring a clean and tidy look to your outdoor space and allow for a multitude of creativeness.
They are the perfect opportunity to upcycle existing materials you might have lying around. Scrap wood, bricks, pavers, and rocks all work very well as natural landscape borders.
Paths are a great way to allow for foot traffic and act as a divider. They also allow for the easy passage of mowers. Stones, gravel, and stepable plants between pavers all work very well.
Other choices
Aside from the more natural landscape borders, poured concrete, clay flue liners, plastic edging, and steel can all be used to create unique and well-defined spaces within your outdoor spaces. They can be as unique and creative as you like, bringing a little personality, order, and function to your existing spaces.
