I use low metal fencing for things like this. Examples:

There are so many types and designs. I currently have four panels bordering my sidewalk beds — I got them from Lowe’s last year.

And how did they work between your section and your neighbor’s (if applicable)?

Not sure what you mean? I’d just place them on the property line, or just inside it on your side. And if you’re friendly with the neighbors, discuss your plans with them.

For the front part, any kind of edging … stones, brick, metal, etc.

If you don’t want the metal type I posted, you could just run an edging outline from your sidewalk to the house, on the property line.

No fence and no line please. Just have a more natural transition or have a great flowerpot with overflowing flowers.

Do you enjoy gardening? Have you had a conversation with your neighbor about your shared planting bed? You might tell them that you are willing to maintain the edging of the little bed, and its weeding, etc. Would they like to pay for plants with you? Mulch, etc? In other words, why not cooperated an create a shared space? Just a thought.

I’d want mine to be separate. I live very close to neighbors currently and wouldn't want all our flower beds to look like one continuous space. It’s more interesting to have variations, plus we like different landscaping styles. I’m not interested in trying to do their yards, too.

And we all get along great.

Unfortunately, I don’t think this is a real possibility. In the 3+ years we have lived here, I have never managed to have a conversation with those neighbors. And while they mow their lawn, they have never done anything else whatsoever to improve or change their landscaping.

Jessica, I added other edging photos up there … what do you think of that idea? Using bricks or stones?

@Jilly I like the idea (albeit not all the way to the sidewalk), but I still am worried it would look awkward in our space. It is not a big space, and it is abominably flat

I understand, just not sure what other options there are … unless something like Kate mentioned. Something decorative to set yours apart.

Or a row of mondo grass (or other similar plant) down the line.

And the problem is? Looks fine, as is.

If you insist on some sort of barrier, then sink a strip of lawn edging into the dirt demarcating the line. But I don't see the point.

You could edge your side and add some height for a more interesting/defined side. Add a potted plant, door mat and if allowed, an address plaque to draw the eye away from the meter, which is more of an issue than a visually separated garden which really won’t make much of a difference.

A way to highlight your garden is to enlarge and curve to the driveway, which will also increase curb appeal.

Sorry but I am not sure what the issue is do you mean the bed with the two trees? IMO the garss needs a lot more attention on your side and as for the bed I do not see the other side so can't comment but IMO making it look like 2 beds will not improve the overall look and have you actully tried talking to them ? Where you have the pink plant replace that with a nice big tub of seasonal plants to over flowing instead . I honestly do not see the issue with the bed decorate your door and stoop and look after the lawn and bed on your side maybe then it will look so much better they will try harder.

crazy idea to want to set your house apart.

Not crazy at all. But the photo looks like mission accomplished. OP has added flowering plants, varied colors, mulch. Give it 6 weeks for the plants to take hold & grow; nature will set hers apart from the neighbor without drawing lines in the sand.

I would move on to getting the utility company out to fix that wonky, off-level box thing that is hanging off the electric meter. Can't do anything about the meter location but things should at least be level with the world.

I don't know if it is allowed--but painting the gray parts of the meter & pole to match the siding color would help. And adding a box of blooming annuals on stoop on the right side of the door would be nice. Would need to partially hang off the stoop....add some rocks to support--tuck in some mondo or monkey grass to disguise?

Not sure what type of vibe youre going for, but I think a small fence, ~3’, would look nice. Run it between the trees wrap it around the walkway/enterance expanding the current planting area. Plant inside, on (vines), and in front of the fence. There are lots of styles of fencing to choose from and it’s such a small area that you could easily remove the turf yourself to expand the bed. As for the utility boxes, maybe put a tall, narrow evergreen in a pot to hide them. Here’s a crude drawing illustrating my thoughts.

“I would move on to getting the utility company out to fix that wonky, off-level box thing that is hanging off the electric meter.”

I agree!

And maybe ask if you’re allowed to paint them. I did at my last house, it looked better blended in. (There are various other camouflage ideas that could be used, but I don’t know if your town allows it or what you have room for there.)

But this: “ … drawing lines in the sand”? To want to add decorative things and personalize her space? I guess I’m not seeing that as a hostile or combative thing to do.

ETA: A small obelisk with or without a vine would give a nice definition, too.

Since the space is so small, I'd knock on the neighbor's door, tell them you're spiffing up the front planting bed and ask if it's ok to add a few flowers to their bed. Seems unlikely they'd say no as long as you're willing to do the maintenance. If you don't want to do that I suggest you buy some bricks to demark your space. You can dig a shallow trench along the property line and set them in place. They're cheap. Edge the lawn border while you're at it.

Being different colors, these townhouses have clear demarcation on the homes themselves. Why feel the need to keep the flowerbed cohesive? Honestly, it looks weird as one bed with those evergreens so close together. Based on their placement and the fact that they are two separate properties, I don’t imagine it was ever intended to be one continuous bed.

@mybrownthumbz6 I don’t think adding a little fence would work well (the HOA is incredibly persnickety about any sort of fencing), but I love the idea of expanding the bed further forward. I think it would be really nice, and would make for a less awkward transition if I put edging stones or bricks all the way around and along the property line. Thank you for the suggestion.

”but I love the idea of expanding the bed further forward. I think it would be really nice, and would make for a less awkward transition if I put edging stones or bricks all the way around and along the property line.”

.

I’m confused. I posted that idea with photo examples and you said it would look awkward and too flat, and didn’t want it going to the sidewalk?

I feel like I’m having a fever dream. 😂

@ci_lantro Hmmm, I hadn’t thought of painting the electric meter, but I could try to look into it.

To be honest, this is’t especially concerned about general curb appeal (although working harder towards it isn’t a bad goal). I mostly have been working because I enjoy gardening. And the initial idea of adding edging or paving stones came about as a way to hopefully get my toddler to keep the mulch inside the flowerbeds.

As for the suggestion of planters on the stoop, I love it and I’ve tried it for the last two years. They never fared well against the delivery people, and were knocked over almost weekly. 😕

@Jilly Sorry for any confusion. I meant along the property line within the flowerbed (but not the grass) in my recent comment. I thought you were suggesting taking a border along the grass all the way to the sidewalk.

Whatever you decide, you have to update us. We’re very invested now. :D

Can’t wait to see how it turns out. :)

@Jilly It might take a little while. I think I have to go to the HOA to have any major landscaping changes approved before I can do anything besides switch out plants. Plus I am working around being a full-time parent or a rebellious toddler and trying to paint half of the inside of my house.

You have your hands full!

Well, it already looks nice as is, so plenty of time to make plans. :)

Darned HOAs. Here is another idea including an evergreen to hide the utility boxes and a large pot at the front corner.

I figured I should give an update. Today I bought bricks and dirt and mulch and plants, and I created the actual border. Tomorrow’s tasks include going to the nursery to get a few more plants, planting them all, and them filling in with soil and mulch.

Weed and feed is down on the lawn, so it should start looking peppier soon.

No progress yet regarding the electric meter.

What do you all think?

Update with the finished product!

Well, before the grass fills in, and with the electricity meter still very visible…

That looks wonderful! You did a great job — lots of charm in that small space.

Jessica, that looks great!👍🏻

Way to go!

Much better. But I would lose the little bed with the pink Dianthus. I think it will just get trodden on.

Made a big difference.