The first thing you should decide is what edging will blend best with its surroundings. A pond at the back of your property with a grass edging is fine, but up close to the house and stone patio is not practical or appropriate in most cases. The formal type pond is easier to cope with as paving or copping stones probably surrounds it.

Paving stones will look out of place around an informal pond. You can, however, get away with it at he front of a pond with the rest of the area filled with plants and bushes. This reduces wear on the lawn and serves as a pathway leading to a focal point in your yard.

The Grassy Knoll:

Some pond designs only work well with a grass edging. It acts as a non-obtrusive edging so that the focal point can be the structure itself. This works best when no other large area of plantings is located in the general area of the pond. Grass edging right up to the pond surface can create a maintenance pain in the pond. Problems of grass clippings entering the water can aid in decomposed material and foul water. Also weed killers and fertilizers can also eventually leech into the water.

The important consideration is the depth of the soil required over the pond edge. To be sure it doesn't dry out, plan on having at least 2" of soil although 4" would be much better in the long run. Plan on using turf not seed to edge the pond. The turf rolls should actually end up touching the surface of the water. This way your watering is taken care of for you, at least at the pond edge. This lends to a rich green colored edging instead of a brown one. So be sure to keep the pond full at all times.

Planted Edging:

This type of edging is best for the informal pond. Use rocks to establish a border around the edge of the pond, which in turn can secure the liner or dig a narrow trench and bury the remaining liner. It is best to place the rocks so that they will actually hang over the edge of the pond, hiding liner. Place the rocks in position and fill in between with good garden soil. Plant behind the rocks and even add a second layer giving it more depth and less of a feeling of edging perfection.

Timbers as Edging:

Timber can and is used as a pond edging though it is not as permanent as rocks or stone. If your pond were being used in conjunction with a wood patio, timbered edging would be a natural choice and a great look.

Bricks and Mortar:

Paving slabs are pretty natural when used with a formal pond, however, you can use brick just as effectively. Only use decorative bricks that are meant for outdoor paving or edging use. These won't shatter when exposed to water and freezing weather. Any brick edging should be mortared in the same way paving slabs. Try to keep the joints of mortar uniform to about 3/8" wide and remove the mortar that squeezes out between them when set.

Life Is A Beach:

Beaches have become common over the years especially for ponds where wildlife frequently visit and are encouraged. The easiest way to accomplish this is to trap a layer of liner between two rows of stones or bricks. The area directly in front, behind and over the bricks should be covered using pebbles or river rock. This type is economical and easy to install but does not actually produce a beach where water overflows.

If you do intend to use it as a focal point on which to stand, plan on placing a small concrete slab over the liner first than finish it off with the other materials recommended.