A well-crafted garden edge can transform your outdoor space from ordinary to extraordinary. Brick edging is versatile, timeless, and full of charm, making it one of my favorite materials to work with. Let me walk you through 17 inspiring ideas, complete with tips to help you recreate these looks in your own garden.
Quickly Find Garden Border Ideas Using Bricks
1. Stacked Brick Edging with Raised Beds
This design features a neatly stacked brick border framing a vibrant raised flower bed. The bricks create a clean, structured look that pairs beautifully with colorful blooms.
Tip: Use mortar between the layers for added stability, especially if the bed is more than two bricks high. A level foundation is key to achieving this polished appearance.
2. Flat-Laid Brick Pathway Border
Simple and understated, this flat-laid brick edging separates a gravel path from a flower bed filled with cheerful daisies and lavender. It’s a great way to keep your pathways tidy.
Tip: Add a layer of compacted sand beneath the bricks to prevent shifting over time.
3. Upright Brick Edging with a Curved Border
This design uses upright bricks to create a curved garden edge. It adds a subtle height difference that helps define the bed while maintaining a natural flow.
Tip: Dig a trench deep enough to bury one-third of the bricks for stability. Gently tap each brick into place with a rubber mallet.
4. Vertical Stacked Edging with Raised Beds
For a bold and structured look, this raised bed uses vertically stacked bricks as its border. The upright bricks add texture and height, drawing attention to the flower bed.
Tip: Use mortar for a durable and long-lasting structure, and make sure to stagger the bricks for added strength.
5. Clean Brick Borders for Raised Flower Beds
This raised brick edging creates a symmetrical and formal look. The perfectly aligned bricks form a low wall, making the flower bed a central feature in the garden.
Tip: Use bricks of the same size and shade to create a uniform, cohesive design.
6. Herringbone Brick Pathway
This intricate herringbone pattern doubles as both a pathway and an edging for the garden beds. The design is visually striking and adds a sense of elegance to the space.
Tip: Lay a base of compacted sand and gravel before arranging the bricks in the herringbone pattern. Use a straight edge to guide your placement.
7. Staggered Brick Edging with Layers
This layered brick border creates a staggered effect, adding depth and dimension to the garden edge. It’s a playful and creative way to frame your flower beds.
Tip: Combine bricks of slightly varying colors to give the edging a natural, weathered appearance.
8. Classic Straight-Lined Edging
For a timeless look, this straight-lined brick edging neatly separates a flower bed from the gravel path. It’s simple, clean, and perfect for any garden style.
Tip: Ensure your trench is level before placing the bricks. Add a layer of sand for stability and compact it well.
9. Reclaimed Brick Edging with Rustic Charm
Reclaimed bricks are perfect for achieving a rustic, cottage-style garden. The weathered texture of these bricks adds character to the vibrant flower bed they frame.
Tip: Clean your reclaimed bricks with a wire brush to remove dirt without erasing their natural patina.
10. Raised Brick Beds with Recessed Layers
This design alternates recessed and flat-laid bricks to create texture in the raised bed border. The flowers pop against the structured yet playful edging.
Tip: Add mortar between the recessed bricks to ensure durability. Use contrasting brick colors for a more dynamic look.
11. Angled Brick Edging
Bricks placed at an angle create a zigzag or scalloped effect that adds visual interest to the garden edge. This design works beautifully with cottage-style blooms.
Tip: Bury the bottom portion of each brick securely in the soil to keep them stable without mortar.
12. Curved Brick Edging with Natural Flow
Curved brick edging softens the lines of a garden and enhances its natural shape. It’s perfect for defining areas of the yard while maintaining a relaxed, organic look.
Tip: Use a garden hose to outline your curve before digging the trench. This ensures your lines are smooth and consistent.
13. Brick Mosaic Edging
This creative approach uses bricks of varying sizes to create a mosaic effect. The design is both functional and artistic, making your garden edge a conversation piece.
Tip: Plan your pattern ahead of time and lay the bricks out loosely before committing to placement.
14. Raised Brick Bed with Upright and Flat-Laid Bricks
This beautiful raised garden bed combines upright and flat-laid bricks for a unique layered look. The flat-laid bricks provide a stable base, while the upright bricks add texture and charm, creating a rustic yet polished border for vibrant blooms.
Tip: Use mortar between the flat-laid bricks for stability, but let the upright bricks sit naturally in the soil to maintain a softer, cottage-style feel. Pair this design with cascading flowers or tall plants to enhance the visual contrast.
15. Raised Beds with Tightly Packed Bricks
These raised beds use tightly packed bricks to create a solid, low wall. It’s a sturdy design that emphasizes the vibrant flower bed and keeps the garden looking tidy.
Tip: Use bricks of uniform size and color to achieve a sleek and cohesive appearance.
16. Curved Edging with Layered Bricks
Layering bricks in a curved shape creates a dynamic and elegant border. This design is ideal for framing flower beds that follow the natural contours of the yard.
Tip: Use mortar to secure the bricks if your garden is on a slope, preventing them from shifting over time.
17. Brick Pathway with a Cottage Garden Feel
A brick pathway running through a flower-filled cottage garden is the ultimate combination of form and function. The bricks act as both a walkway and a subtle border for the surrounding plants.
Tip: Lay the bricks with small gaps between them for drainage and fill the spaces with sand or fine gravel to keep the pathway stable.
Wrapping Up
Brick garden edging offers endless possibilities for enhancing your garden’s beauty and structure. From simple straight lines to intricate patterns, there’s a style to suit every space and taste. I hope these 17 ideas inspire you to try something new in your garden. Which design are you most excited to try? Let’s keep the conversation going—I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your projects!