7 Modern Landscape Design Trends Using Plastic Edging

Modern landscape design is becoming more intentional. Property owners want outdoor spaces that are attractive, but they are also paying closer attention to water use, maintenance, climate resilience, material selection and everyday function.

Landscape edging may look like a small detail, but it performs a major design role. The right edging organizes materials, preserves clear boundaries, forms curves, frames outdoor rooms and helps maintain the original layout over time.

Recycled plastic edging is especially useful because it supports a wide range of applications without the rot, rust or splintering associated with some traditional materials.

1 Clean Transitions Between Mixed Materials

Contemporary landscapes rarely rely on one surface throughout the property. Designers are combining natural lawn, artificial turf, pavers, decorative rock, mulch, concrete, planting soil and permeable materials within one connected plan.

The contrast can be visually powerful, but only when the transitions remain controlled.

2 Organic Curves and Natural Movement

Rigid rectangles are giving way to softer, more natural forms. Curved pathways, flowing planting beds, rounded turf areas and irregular landscape islands can make a property feel more connected to its surroundings.

Curves can also guide movement, soften hard architectural lines and create more gradual transitions between outdoor areas.

Always review the current bend-radius guidance, profile dimensions and installation specifications before selecting a product.

3 Water-Smart and Reduced-Lawn Landscapes

Water-conscious design continues to influence outdoor spaces across the country. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program recommends selecting plants for site conditions, grouping plants with similar irrigation needs, using climate-appropriate species, maintaining mulch and limiting turf to areas where it serves a useful purpose.

Edging can support this strategy by dividing the property into distinct landscape zones:

• Functional lawn or play area
• Low-water native planting bed
• Mulched tree zone
• Rain garden
• Decorative gravel area
• Drip-irrigated shrub bed

Edging does not replace correct grading, drainage, soil preparation or irrigation design. It helps keep each zone organized and reduces the mixing of neighboring landscape materials.

4 Native and Pollinator-Friendly Planting Beds

Native and habitat-focused gardens are becoming more prominent in residential, commercial and public landscapes.

The National Wildlife Federation explains that native plants can provide food and habitat for butterflies, native bees, birds and other local wildlife.

These gardens often use a looser, more natural planting style. A defined edge can balance that appearance by giving the bed a deliberate shape.

• Outline pollinator gardens
• Create curved native-plant beds
• Separate meadow-style planting from pathways
• Keep mulch in newly planted areas
• Define the boundary between habitat gardens and usable lawn

5 Greater Attention to Recycled and Circular Materials

Material selection is becoming part of the design conversation. The EPA describes a circular economy as one that reduces material use and recaptures materials previously treated as waste so they can become feedstock for new products.

Epic Plastics applies that principle by manufacturing landscape products from recycled plastic. Its manufacturing process turns post-consumer plastic into durable landscape edging made in the United States.

6 Low-Maintenance Landscape Structure

Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. It means selecting materials and layouts that make routine care more manageable.

Defined borders can reduce the time spent returning gravel to pathways, removing grass from planting beds, cleaning mulch from hardscape and rebuilding washed-out bed lines.

Recycled plastic edging will not rot, rust or splinter. When properly selected and installed, it can help preserve the intended layout without the same material-related concerns as untreated wood or unprotected metal.

Seasonal inspections are still recommended. Stakes, joints, curves and adjacent soil should be checked after severe weather, heavy traffic or major landscape work.

7 Outdoor Rooms Designed for Daily Use

Outdoor areas are increasingly being treated as functional extensions of homes, workplaces, hospitality properties and public spaces.

One landscape may include a dining area, fire feature, lawn, play space, pet zone, meditation garden and pathway. Each area should feel distinct without becoming disconnected from the overall property.

Edging can create subtle boundaries between those functions. A curved border might separate a quiet planting area from an active lawn. A straight edge might frame a patio. A hidden turf anchor can create a clean transition between artificial grass and an outdoor seating area.

Choose the Product That Fits the Design

Small Details Shape the Entire Landscape

Landscape trends change, but successful outdoor spaces still depend on thoughtful planning and appropriate materials.

Clean transitions, climate-conscious planting, organic curves, native gardens, recycled materials and low-maintenance layouts all benefit from clearly defined boundaries. Selecting the edging according to the project shape, surface materials and intended use helps the landscape remain functional long after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What landscape edging is best for curved designs?

The right product depends on the tightness of the curve. Benda Board is suited to organic curves and custom shapes, while EDGE EX is designed for tighter organic curves. Review the current minimum bend-radius specifications before installation.

How does edging support a water-smart landscape?

Edging can separate planting zones, contain mulch, preserve reduced-lawn layouts and maintain transitions between turf and low-water beds. It should be part of a broader plan that includes appropriate plants, soil, drainage and irrigation.

Is recycled plastic edging suitable for contemporary landscape design?

Yes. Recycled plastic edging can support straight lines, organic curves, mixed-material transitions, artificial turf, pathways and planting beds.

Which Epic Plastics product is best for long straight runs?

Epic Edge is designed for straight runs and large sweeping curves. Benda Board can also hold clean lines when installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.