DIY Rock Garden Edging in Ottawa: Simple Tips & Tricks

Creating a rock garden is a fantastic way to add visual interest and low-maintenance beauty to your Ottawa landscape. But even the most stunning rock garden can look unfinished without a well-defined edge. Edging separates your rock garden from the rest of your yard, prevents grass and weeds from encroaching, and adds a polished, professional touch. This guide will walk you through some simple and effective DIY rock garden edging options that are perfect for the Ottawa climate and, particularly, the challenges of our often-clay soil.

Why Edging is Essential for Your Rock Garden

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s briefly touch on the “why.” Edging isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in the health and longevity of your rock garden:

• Weed Control: A solid edge creates a physical barrier, making it much harder for weeds and grass to creep into your rock garden. This significantly reduces maintenance.
• Soil Containment: Edging helps keep your carefully chosen rock garden soil and smaller stones from washing away during heavy rain, a common occurrence in Ottawa.
• Definition and Structure: It clearly defines the boundaries of your rock garden, creating a visually appealing contrast with the surrounding lawn or garden beds.
• Protection: Edging can protect delicate plants near the edge of your rock garden from accidental damage during lawn mowing or other yard work.

Choosing the Right Rocks for Edging in Ottawa

Ottawa’s climate, with its cold winters and hot summers, requires durable edging materials. Fortunately, we have plenty of excellent rock options readily available. Here are a few popular choices, with considerations for our local conditions:

When selecting your rocks, consider the overall style of your rock garden and your budget. You can often find suitable rocks at local landscaping supply stores in Nepean or Barrhaven. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice on the best type of rock for your specific needs and soil conditions.

DIY Edging Techniques: Step-by-Step

Now, let’s get our hands dirty! Here are a few easy-to-follow edging techniques:

1. The Simple Trench Method (with River Rock or Small Stones)

This is the easiest method, perfect for beginners and ideal for using smaller, rounded stones like river rock.

1. Mark the Edge: Use a garden hose or string to outline the desired shape of your rock garden edge.
2. Dig a Trench: Dig a shallow trench along the marked line, about 4-6 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate your chosen stones. The depth will depend on the size of your rocks – you want about half of the rock to be buried.
3. Add Landscape Fabric (Optional): Line the trench with landscape fabric to further suppress weeds. This is especially helpful in areas like Manotick, where persistent weeds can be a challenge.
4. Place the Stones: Carefully place the stones in the trench, fitting them snugly together. You can create a single or double row, depending on the desired width of the edge.
5. Backfill and Tamp: Backfill the trench with soil, tamping it down gently to secure the stones in place.

For more information about using different materials to create a beautiful landscape, see our page on material selection.

2. The Stacked Stone Method (with Flagstone or Larger Rocks)

This method creates a more substantial and visually striking edge, perfect for larger rocks or flagstone.

1. Mark and Dig: As with the trench method, mark the edge and dig a trench. However, for stacked stones, the trench should be slightly wider than the base stones.
2. Prepare a Base (Optional): For added stability, especially in areas with heavy clay soil like Osgoode or Greely, you can add a layer of compacted gravel or crushed stone to the bottom of the trench.
3. Lay the Base Stones: Place the largest, flattest stones at the bottom of the trench, ensuring they are level and stable.
4. Stack the Stones: Carefully stack the remaining stones, overlapping them slightly and staggering the joints for a more natural look. Use smaller stones to fill any gaps and ensure stability.
5. Backfill (if needed): If there are any significant gaps behind the stacked stones, backfill with soil to provide additional support.

3. The Mortared Stone Method (for Maximum Stability)

This method is the most permanent and provides the greatest stability, but it also requires more effort and skill.

1. Prepare as for Stacked Stone: Follow steps 1-3 of the stacked stone method.
2. Mix Mortar: Prepare a batch of mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Apply Mortar: Apply a layer of mortar to the base stones and between each subsequent layer of stones as you stack them.
4. Clean Excess Mortar: Use a trowel or sponge to remove any excess mortar before it dries.
5. Cure: Allow the mortar to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before exposing it to the elements.

This method provides the strongest result, see our post on DIY Rock Garden Edging: Ottawa Clay Options to understand more about working with clay.

Maintaining Your Rock Garden Edging

Once your edging is in place, a little bit of maintenance will keep it looking its best:

• Weeding: Regularly check for weeds growing along the edge and remove them promptly.
• Resetting Stones: Over time, stones may shift or settle, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or after severe weather. Simply reset any loose stones as needed.
• Cleaning: If your stones become dirty or stained, you can clean them with a mild soap and water solution or a pressure washer (use a low setting to avoid damaging the stones).
• You may want to consider doing a property clean up to get rid of excess debris.

By following these simple tips, you can create a beautiful and functional rock garden edge that will enhance your Ottawa landscape for years to come. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key to achieving a professional-looking result. Good luck, and happy gardening!

Rock Garden Plants

Here are some beautiful plants that you can consider for your Ottawa rock garden, with tips for their care:

1. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedums are succulents that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in well-drained soil, making them perfect for rock gardens.

• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours a day).
• Watering: Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Soil: Well-drained, gritty soil. Amend clay soil with sand and gravel.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; trim back dead foliage in early spring.

2. Thrift (Armeria Maritima)

Thrift produces charming, globe-shaped pink or white flowers on slender stems. It’s a hardy plant that tolerates poor soil and dry conditions.

• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Watering: Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil.
• Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

3. Creeping Phlox (Phlox Subulata)

Creeping Phlox forms a dense mat of needle-like foliage covered in vibrant pink, purple, or white flowers in spring.

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Soil: Well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types, but prefers slightly alkaline conditions.
• Maintenance: Shear back after flowering to maintain a compact shape.

4. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum)

Hens and Chicks are rosette-forming succulents that are incredibly easy to grow. They come in a wide array of colors and textures.

• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Watering: Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
• Soil: Very well-drained, gritty soil. Excellent drainage is crucial.
• Maintenance: Remove dead rosettes (chicks) as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I deal with Ottawa’s clay soil when creating a rock garden edge?

Clay soil can be challenging, but it’s manageable. Amend the soil in your trench with plenty of organic matter (compost) and coarse materials like sand and gravel to improve drainage. Consider using a raised edging technique to further elevate the stones above the clay.

What’s the best time of year to install rock garden edging in Ottawa?

Spring and fall are the ideal times. The soil is typically workable, and the temperatures are moderate, making it easier to work outdoors. Avoid working during extremely hot or cold periods.

Can I use recycled materials for my rock garden edge?

Absolutely! Broken concrete, old bricks, or even large stones found on your property can be used to create a unique and eco-friendly edge. Just ensure the materials are durable and won’t leach harmful substances into the soil.

How can I prevent my rock garden edging from shifting over time in areas like Richmond or Metcalfe?

Proper installation is key. Dig a deep enough trench, use a stable base (especially for stacked stones), and compact the soil around the stones. In areas with significant frost heave, consider using the mortared stone method for maximum stability. You may also want to ensure your garden has proper drainage, you can learn more about that on our Rock Garden Drinage blog.

Where can I find landscaping supplies and advice in the Ottawa area?

There are many excellent landscaping supply stores and garden centers throughout Ottawa, including locations in Kanata and Orleans. Don’t hesitate to visit these stores and ask for recommendations based on your specific project and location. Some locations such as Ritchie Feed & Seed Inc. even offer workshops. (https://www.ritchiefeed.com/).

For any more questions feel free to reach out to use on our contact us page.