Box Edgings are basically miniature hedges, and are often objected to because they harbor insects and pests. This should not be a factor though, because the practical gardener can take means to destroy and prevent these threats.
The best dwarf form for box edging is the Buxus sempervirens var. sufruticosa. The best time to plant is in April or May. This plant needs to be planted in narrow triangular shaped trench. They should be planted in a close line. Hold a board in your right hand to draw the soil against the plant as you hold the plant with your left hand.
Box edgings need to be kept less than six inches tall, and be careful, when trimming, to make sure all the plants are the same height, creating a clean line. The proper time to clip your box edges is the end of May or the first week in June. The best shape is square with vertical sides, although a rounded top angle is fine as well.
Ivy edges can be favorites, creating a bold and lovely look, but these should be avoided in gardens of limited space. In town gardens, ivy edges often result in the collection of soot. These are not suitable for the north, because of the cold and frosts. However, if the space is ample and the temperature mild, these make a wonderful choice.
When planting new plants it is a good idea to peg them down into the soil, and over time, they will cover the area with growth. In April or May conduct and annual clipping, as this will soon create a nice effect. Here are some other plants you can consider for Edgings: ground myrtle, euonymus, and pachysandra. All of these are easy to manage.
The border is the part of your setting that breaks or makes the aesthetic value of your landscape. The border should match your surroundings, and be kept tidy and well trimmed.
The verge is a good place for edging, provided it is not in bad conditions, like the constant dripping from trees. It should be trimmed with accuracy to look good, however if you have limited time, edgings are not the best choice for you.
If the plant edgings are not conducive to your setting, consider artificial or tile edgings. When turf and soil or turf and gravel come into union the clean-cut edge of the turf constitutes a good enough edging. The case is different where soil and gravel meet. The qualities which should differentiate a good edging are durability (both as regards resistance to weather influence and accidental fracture); flexibility, to permit it to be laid in a good curve if necessary; stability, to enable it to keep in place; and, lastly, moderate cost.
Tile edgings can be simple roof tiles, or tiles with a fancier margin. These tiles need to be thin and most often they do not stand up to normal weather and wear and tear, making them prone to fracture in the frost.
Usually tiles are made from the following:
Porous brickware (red)
Hard brickware (red)
Stoneware (brown)
Blue brickware (slate blue)
The porous brick should be avoided as it is brittle and fractures from the frost. The blue brickware has an unpleasant color, but is touch and strong. The other two materials offer little to differentiate between, having a similar color and durability. Usually the harder the brick, the cheaper the cost, although this does vary.
