Garden Borders

An example of a garden border which are often composed of shrubs, perennials, ornamental plants, or decorative elements arranged linearly to define the edge of a garden with a softer living edge.

Definition

Garden borders are primarily plant-based or decorative boundaries that frame garden beds, defining garden spaces visually rather than relying on rigid or mechanical separation.

Rather than acting as a hard barrier (like wood, stone, or metal edging), borders are often composed of shrubs, perennials, ornamental plants, or decorative elements arranged linearly to define the edge of a garden with a softer living edge. They emphasize visual composition, layering, texture, height, and seasonal interest.

Garden borders focus more on the living, decorative plant edge and less on containment. This differs from landscape edging which tends to be structural and functional across various zones (paths, lawns, hardscapes).

Garden borders are distinct from garden edging in that the latter focuses on defining and containing garden bed boundaries such as flower beds, mulch beds, vegetable beds, and decorative or specimen garden beds.

Related terms: Garden Edging, Landscape Edging.

Historical Background

In garden history, “border” planting has been a staple design concept, especially in English gardens, where borders of perennials or shrubs would frame lawns or paths.

The concept of the herbaceous border in British gardening (popularized in the 19th and early 20th centuries) is a classic example of a garden border - dense plantings in rows creating dramatic seasonal effects.

The historical “edgings” in early American and European gardens included live plant edgings (like low boxwood, creeping plants) alongside hard materials. In 18th- and 19th-century sources, edging could refer to either plant or inert materials placed along margins of beds or borders.

Over time, as manufactured edging became widespread, borders retained their role as ornamental plant edges, layered in front of more structural edging or fronting paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a garden border?

A garden border is a planted strip of shrubs, perennials, or decorative foliage arranged along the edge of a garden bed or path to frame and enhance its visual appeal. It’s less about rigid containment and more about aesthetic flow and layering.

Why would I use a garden border instead of edging?

You might prefer a border when your goal is beauty, seasonal interest, and a soft transition rather than defined lines. Borders allow for color, texture, vertical layering, and biodiversity, while edging is stronger for containment and mowing boundaries.

Can garden borders help contain weeds or grass?

They can serve as a barrier, especially if densely planted, but they are not as effective as solid edging (wood, metal, stone) in preventing turf encroachment or containing soil, compost or mulch. Borders tend to be complementary to edging, not a full substitute.

What kinds of plants are good for garden borders?

Perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses, low hedges, and flowering plants are common. The key is variation in height, foliage, bloom time, and color to maintain interest across seasons. Variety in form and texture makes a border dynamic.