The Realistic-Looking Rock Border For Garden Beds (Without The Heavy Lifting)

Natural rock is a popular material to use around the garden. With so many different types of rock you can use in landscaping, it can be adapted to a host of outdoor designs and is often used as edging. However, there are some drawbacks. Rock can be heavy, which makes it awkward to work with. The irregularity of the surface is part of the attraction, but can make it difficult to line up when you want to follow a border. There is a realistic-looking alternative from a company called Beuta that claims to overcome many of the problems of working with real stone. If you're on the hunt for a more lightweight option that still provides a realistic look, this could be an option to consider.

Beuta faux stone bricks and blocks come in several different sizes, from 2.25 inch tall brick to 9.5 inch tall edging. Finishes are described as greystone, sandstone, charcoal, cobblestone, and limewash, and are meant to mimic the look of natural rock. They have an interlocking design that makes them easy to put together and are held in place with long steel pins that just need tapping into the ground with a hammer. Bricks and blocks can easily be arranged to follow a curve, or there are left and right angled end pieces that can be used to form rectangles. With that being said, however, these conveniences come at a cost. A 4 foot section of the XL edging costs a hefty $68, which could add up to one very expensive project if you're planning to revamp your entire yard.

All Beuta products are made in the United States. The material is low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which isn't readily biodegradable but can be recycled, so many consider it eco-friendly. Beuta's formulation includes around 25% recycled material and is non-toxic, so it's safe for vegetable and fruit gardens. Some people have expressed concerns over the durability of the blocks. Beuta claims they will last for 15 years and are strong enough to be stood on. They aren't subject to mold, and won't rot, fade, or melt under hot sun. The company has released a short video showing a weed whacker being run up against them without damage. The tool is a fairly modest electric model, so whether they will stand up to the impact of a gas-powered weed whacker is uncertain, but they do appear reasonably tough.

The main downside besides the cost is that Beuta bricks and blocks are still quite regularly-shaped, giving them a slightly fake appearance. With a little ingenuity, you can find plenty of uses for them, but you're a bit limited when it comes to creating your own beautiful rock garden. With that being said, however, they do provide a very easy-to-install alternative to traditional rocks. You'll have to sacrifice a bit when it comes to the final look, but this approach can allow you to install edging without having to hire a contractor, purchase real rocks from a mason, or put your body through the stress of repeatedly lifting and placing such heavy objects.

Beuta bricks and blocks can add a decorative touch to your garden, but they won't stop weed growth or prevent grass from encroaching beyond the border. Some gardeners might actually want to soften the look by having low-growing plants scramble over the faux stone, but others will prefer a cleaner, more linear appearance. If you want to keep things looking sharp and weed-free, you have several different options. Running along the edges with a weed whacker is an easy solution, but it means regular work. Weed killer is an alternative, but whether home-made or store-bought, there are some you'll want to think twice about using. Underlaying along the edge of the border with landscape fabric is one effective way to suppress grass and weeds. There's also a simple cardboard box hack that will do a similar job, won't cost you anything, and is more environmentally friendly.

If you want a realistic-looking rock border without the heavy lifting or hassles associated with real stone, then Beuta's faux stone alternatives are well worth considering, though they're not the only option. The full range of Beuta faux stone bricks and blocks is available at Amazon and through Beuta's website, but there are also other similar products like this Suncast Lanscape Design Border and the Ywshf Garden Landscape Borders. While these alternative products might not have as many unique features, they're a more cost-effective alternative to the Beuta faux stones.