Turf

Turf makes a striking edging for formal ponds set in a flat stretch of lawn. It costs little, is easy to install, and is a good choice for edging an in-ground preformed liner with a lip that is not designed to support much weight. If you are seeding a new lawn, install sod around the pond to prevent soil from washing into the water.

Use turf as an edging only when you can keep the surrounding lawn in excellent condition. A brown or spotted lawn will be a splotchy frame for your water garden. Be aware, too, that having a water feature within the lawn can complicate lawn care. Use fertilizer and pesticides in moderation around a pond to avoid algae growth in the water. If the pond is stocked with fish, use only fish-safe materials.

Flagstone

Flagstone combines well with boulders, gravel, sand, or rock in naturalistic settings. It's easy to install as edging and ideal for a variety of water features, including ones on slopes, because you can stack it. It is also excellent for securing flexible liners in place and it can be mortared for stability and permanence.

Limestone is the most popular flagstone. Its appearance improves as it weathers and as moss and algae grow on it.

To use flagstone, dig a shallow shelf around the pool. Experiment with placing the pieces so they fit together neatly. Local stone is the least expensive and often the most natural looking.

Brick And Concrete Pavers

Using brick and concrete pavers is a great way to tie in with the patios, walks, or other hardscapes in your yard. Depending on the method you use, installing brick and concrete pavers can be easy or a challenge. It's fairly easy to dry lay them in sand, for example, but more difficult to set them in concrete.

Cut Stone

Cut stone is more expensive and more formal in appearance than flagstone, and it looks most appropriate around square or rectangular pools. It is excellent in most formal gardens, and it blends well with gravel, wood, brick, and other materials, both formal and informal.

Boulders

Ideal for naturalistic ponds, small boulders are relatively easy to work with. You'll need help to move any large boulders you want to install, and unless you find a free supply, purchase price and delivery costs will be high.

Patios And Decking

Water features built into a patio or deck put the water at a level where it's easy to enjoy. You won't have to buy separate edging material for the pond, so a deck or patio addition will be relatively inexpensive. Make sure the wood has not been treated with preservatives that can leach into the water and harm plants or fish.