Edges are essential elements of the garden. They help to structure it, they allow to retain the earth but can also have a simple aesthetic function by emphasizing the plants.
The various functions of a border
Whether in the ornamental garden or the vegetable garden, the border plays a fundamental role and has various functions:
It allows to delimit the plantations, especially in the vegetable garden where it is possible to form " squares " of culture;
It stops the evolution of trailing plants and brings structure to the decor;
It retains the soil, especially the soil added to the beds, especially if the ground is slightly sloping;
It is a decorative element in its own right and highlights the plants;
The different types of borders
Many solutions are available to you for the constitution of your border depending on its function and of course the desired effect.
Perennial borders
Made of materials that are not sensitive to weather conditions, these borders can remain in the garden for many years.
Stone or pebbles will give a rustic or zen feel to the garden, while brick will blend in perfectly with the English garden style, and vertically planted tiles will ensure a small Provencal atmosphere.
The realization of this type of border requires only a small trench and a manual weeding, so they are not difficult to implement unless you build the elements to create low walls, something that is still accessible to most gardeners DIY.
Planted borders
Ideal to ensure a sort of continuity in the garden, plant borders integrate perfectly with the decor. You can vary the height and thickness of the plants you choose and create borders that are more or less fine depending on the desired effect.
The most commonly used plants are small boxwoods and yews, which are easy to prune and will work perfectly to delimit the squares of a vegetable garden or the gravelled paths of an ornamental garden. For the borders of paths, large irises will bring a flowery and delicately scented note, as will lavender or santolin.
Wooden borders
Traditional, woven wooden borders, otherwise known as "plessis", are made of willow, chestnut or hazelnut branches woven around stakes deeply anchored in the ground. These borders allow, among other things, to retain the soil of the hot beds and the vegetable garden, but also have a strong ornamental value in the garden.
From the same material, you can also make small borders out of wooden logs or bamboo stubble that will work wonders to delimit flowerbeds and lawns.
