Design Dilema

April writing...

So we are trying to decide on some lawn edging for our front planter (finally!). We have it narrowed down to three choices.

These aren't the greatest pictures...but I have photoshoped the three ideas into our planter to give the idea for what we are going for. You CLICK on the pictures to make them bigger...that will help you to view them!!

Here is the criteria for our project:
1. Inexpensive
2. Matches the house (or at least is cohesive in design with the house)
3. Provides a barrier to keep grass out of the planter
4. Doesn't look cheap
5. Easy to install

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OPTION 1

This is the Empire Edger. For our project it would run us around $59.60 for the materials.

It is one piece with three small squares. 15" L x 4 3/4" H x 3 1/2" D. It has a natural stone texture on top and all sides, nature-inspired soft color blends. Joints create the look of three separate cobblestones.

With this look we would NOT have to add more fill dirt and raise the garden bed up any higher. And we would eventually have to replace the edger on the front side planter to match. (Which would be roughly another $60.)

Pros:
relatively inexpensive
no additional fill dirt needed
easy installation
color goes will with the house
provides a barrier for grass

Cons:
2nd most expensive option
would have to replace front side planter to match

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OPTION 2

This is the Lodgestone Edger. For our project it would run us around $224.96 for the materials.

It would be two pieces stacked one on another for height. One piece is 12" L x 4" H x 5" D. (We would want two layers, so that would raise the height to 8" high. It has a traditional, classic look. Red in color. (like our bricks)

With this look we would have to add fill dirt and raise the garden bed at least 6 inches. (that's alot of dirt) For this look would also have to replace the front side planter to match, which may prove costly as it would hang onto our sidewalk, and we would have to raise that garden bed as well. It would be roughly another $230.

Pros:
classic look
matches the house
provides a barrier for grass

Cons:
most expensive option
would have to replace front side planter to match
we would have to add alot of fill dirt to raise garden bed
needs additional materials to install
more work to install

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OPTION 3

This is the Scalloped Edger. For our project it would run us around $33.06 for the materials.

This is one piece with three rounded tops. One piece is 16"L x 5 1/2" H x 2" D. Classic design and could also work with curved pieces to accommodate straight and curved garden beds. Red in color. (like our bricks)

With this look we may have to add a little fill dirt to raise the garden bed, but not much, if at all. For this look we would not have to replace the front side planter as it already has scalloped edging.

Pros:
very inexpensive
easy installation
color goes will with the house
provides a barrier for grass
easy to install
can do curved beds/more design options
wouldn't have to replace side planter to match

Cons:
little additional fill dirt needed
may look cheap

So there we have it...what are your thoughts?? Eventually whatever look we pick from out front will be continued around the planters in the backyard as well. So we have to keep that in mind as well. (Especially cost wise.)

I would love to hear your opinions!!!