Just my option about borders.
I know lots people think it's a great idea to build a border then back fill it with mulch around a foundation, and in most cases it does look nice, but there's many reasons not to do it that way.
Back when I was an exterminator that would be the first place I'd start looking for termites both inside and out, termites need mud to make there tunnels.
If there done with landscape timbers, read the tag on them in the store sometime, not below ground rated, some are not even direct ground contact, over time there going to rot and yes termites will eat them, I've seen it many times.
If railroad ties are used it's even worst, there's a reason why those ties where removed by the railroad.
They where at the end of there life and will also soon start to rot.
Mulch decomposes and becomes great top soil for weeds to grow in.
Landscape fabric is useless, if the weeds where not killed or removed before it goes down there just going to grow right through it and be impossible to pull out by the roots, new weeds can just grow in the decomposed mulch.
The ones that give me the least trouble are done with stone, or rubber mulch at least 3" thick, no landscape cloth, with what's called defined edges.
I own a landscape company and have been dealing with these issues for over 10 years, it got so bad dealing with peoples ideas on how to build a bed I've had to hire a full time person that does nothing but pull weeds, and refresh mulch.
