Summary: Edging flower beds come in many shapes and sizes, from plastic, concrete, vinyl, metal and but how about using plant material? Using plants to edge flower beds can create a much different look to the landscape.
When using plants for edging flower beds often a good choice is a very dwarf evergreen. The so-called dwarf boxwood (Buxus sempervirens suffruticosa) must be clipped to keep it to a height of even six or eight inches. The horticultural variety, Buxus microphylla compacta, would be better, but it might be difficult to get. Another very dwarf variety is known as Korean boxwood. If boxwood is not hardy, a dwarf variety of Japanese holly, either Ilex crenata helleri or a horticultural form, could be used. For free-standing beds next to a terrace, the edging will usually completely surround the flower beds.
When expensive evergreen plants such as boxwood and Japanese holly cannot be managed all at once, one of the annual edging plants may be substituted, or interplanted with evergreens. Boxwood and Japanese holly are easy to grow from cuttings, so that the edging can be built up gradually. Either of these plants will add greatly to the appearance of the area.
The same plant edging may be continued in front of a flower bed located in the back of the landscape or a less expensive one, such as evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens), may be used. A permanent dressy edging is somewhat less important for the far bed, backed as it is by a strong hedge, than for the open beds near the terrace.
Herbs
Some tall growing herbs, such as angelica, the bushy chamomile, and certain artemisias, would, if planted near the boundary, prevent this part of the garden from falling away visually. Herbs are pretty companions for a rose bed, or, indeed, any flowers. It is always convenient to have them as close to the kitchen as possible.
