7 Beautiful And Stylish Pond Edging Ideas (Types Of Pond Edging)
Once you have built your pond, the next important thing to do is to choose your pond edging. Each different edging can change the look and overall feel of the pond. Pond edging is effectively used to cover the lines that separate the pond from the garden.
There are a variety of different things that you can use as pond edging. Some are more natural, and some are more permanent. Once you have decided the look you are going for, then finding the right edging is simple. This article will explore the top seven pond edging designs to help get your ideas flowing.
Rocks and Pebbles
One of the most common materials to use as pond edging is rocks, pebbles, and gravel. This is because they are readily available in most garden shops and do not tend to be that expensive.
If you can find small rocks or pebbles that have smooth edges, then these are ideal to use as pond edging. They are great at concealing the pond liner where the pond meets the rest of the garden and can help to blend the pond into its surrounding area.
You should be careful when using rocks though, as you should try to make sure they do not have too many sharp edges. These sharp edges could damage the pond liner or cause harm to the wildlife that live in or around your pond.
Many people like to stack larger rocks around their ponds as this can create the image of a natural waterfall Large rocks can also have other benefits. They can be used to place in shallow waters for wildlife, such as birds or insects, to be able to land and have a drink. Or you can place them round a section of your pond to create a mini pebble beach.
You may also want a more natural look for your pond, in which case rocks and pebbles would make great edging materials.
Although try to avoid softer rocks as the water could break these rocks down and realise minerals into the water and this can have a devastating effect on the fish or wildlife in the pond.
Plants
Pond plants are another natural way for you to edge your pond. These plants can be used to help your pond environment to thrive and there are so many different plants that you can use. Using plants is even better if you are a keen gardener and want to add more plants into your garden.
Planting plants or using potted plants is the most natural way of blending your pond in with the rest of the garden and the surroundings. Although you need to ensure that you regularly clean your pond as leaves and petals can easily find their way into the pond and can release chemicals when the break down. This can be detrimental to your fish if not maintained carefully as broken-down plants can release nitrates and phosphates into your pond.
There are two main types of plants to use as pond edging. The first is bog plants. These are plants that thrive in swampy or waterlogged areas. Making these perfect plants to use around your pond. Some of the best bog plants are irises, pitcher plants and canna lilies.
Another benefit of using bog plants as pond edging is that they make great shelters for certain animals and wildlife. They can provide shelter to frogs and other wildlife that regularly visit ponds. Also, bog plants can help to stabilise the pond embankments and protect your pond from erosion.
The other type of plant that is recommended for pond edging are marginal plants. These are often planted in the shallower ends around your pond or can be put on shelves that have been built into the sides of the pond.
There are many common and popular types of marginal plants. Some of these could be water lilies, bacopa or lotus. These are very pretty flowers and plants and can help you to improve the image of your pond. Although you may have to spend some time scooping out the leaves and flowers to maintain a clean and healthy pond.
Lawn
Another easy way to edge your pond is to use turf or grass. Although you need to be mindful that this can be difficult to mow the lawn without getting all the grass clippings into the pond. But there is an easy way to stop this from happening. You can allow the grass closest to the pond to grow longer. This can have many benefits.
Allowing the grass to grow longer around your pond can have great benefits for the wildlife. This can act as an ideal hiding spot for animals such as frogs and other wildlife that you may find in or around your pond.
By choosing to have grass or turf around your pond, creates a natural look. Although this will require regular maintenance to keep your pond and garden looking neat. It is also important to know that before installing turf to your ponds edges you need to include a drainage channel. This will help to stop the pond edges getting to boggy or waterlogged.
Concrete
Concrete is another material that you can use as a pond edging although this is much more permanent and of course is a lot less natural. Although your preference will be down to how you want your pond to look and how easy you want your maintenance to be.
It is important to know that concrete will be one of the more expensive options of pond edging, but it can keep things neat and tidy around your pond. Choosing to have concrete will also ensure you have a lot less maintenance than other options and it is very easy to clean.
If you have an irregular shaped pond, you may want to opt for poured concrete as this can be customed to the design and shape of your pond. Having concrete as your pond edging is probably one of the most durable and permanent type you could have.
If want to choose concrete as it is low maintenance option but do not want a boring concrete border, there are decorative things you can do. You could stain the concrete in a more earth-tone shade to help it blend or you can add stamps so that it looks more like tiles or brick. So, do not worry, there are plenty of options if you wish for your pond to look aesthetically pleasing.
Pavers
Pavers are similar to concrete, in the fact that they are of course less natural but are low maintenance and are easy to clean. There are still many benefits for opting to have pavers as your pond edging.
Having paving tiles around your pond can work as other things alongside pond edging. This can be used to create a seating or dining area which can overlook the pond, perfect for having a coffee in the morning. Although it is important to ensure that the paving tiles are not resting directly on top of the pond edge as this can cause damage.
Placing paving tiles around your pond can do a good job of separating pond water from the soil around it which can help to keep the plants away from the pond. However, when you are installing the pavement, make sure you place the slabs on the ground around the pond as slabs can break or crack. This could lead to damage in your pond.
If you are after a low maintenance option for pond edging, your best to choose either concrete or paving tiles, but paving tiles are a lot more aesthetically pleasing. They can come in a range of colours and designs. So, if you still want a practical but pretty pond then this could be the best option for you.
Bricks
Penultimately, you can use bricks as pond edging. Bricks can be used in a variety of ways. You could use just one row of bricks around the pond to create a nice edge. Or instead, you could create a brick wall at one end which can be used to place potted plants or can be used a wall fountain. Both of these options can improve and enhance the look of the pond.
Using bricks as your pond edging can create a classic look and you only tend to need one layer of bricks which makes it quick and simple to do. Some people tend to add more layers allowing you to add plants or create seating areas directly next to the pond.
Adding bricks to build a wall can add great aesthetics to you pond but you do have to ensure that you have strong enough foundations before doing this. The best thing to do to avoid damage to your pond is to make sure that the bricks stand on the ground and not the pond liner.
Wood
Lastly, you can use wood as a pond edging. The best wood to use is either hardwood or timber as this can create an attractive way of edging your pond.
If you have straight edges along your pond, then you need to use hardwood as it is best to use untreated wood.
Depending on the style you are after, wood can create many aesthetic looks. Wood can be used to create a stunning rustic-style edging for you pond. Using wood can also ensure you have more structure to your pond in comparison to using materials like rocks or plants.
When laying the wood pond edging you need to ensure you are not using harsh chemicals, so it is best to use pressure-treated lumber. This is so that no toxic preservations end up leaking into the pond which can poison and kill fish and other wildlife in your pond. But it is always best to ensure that your pond edging does not come in contact with the water.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are many different materials that you can use to create your pond edging. Each of the seven materials discussed have different benefits and create different looks. Each one if done properly, can add great aesthetics to your pond and garden.
It is important to choose the right edging that allows your pond to be the focal point.
If you are after a more natural looking pond that helps to encourage and protect wildlife then you need to use either rocks, plants, or lawn.
If you are after a more sturdy and low maintenance kind of edging for your pond then you are best to use concrete, pavers, bricks, or wood.