Do I need to use paving sand when landscaping with bricks?

Yes https://www.sakrete.com/blog/applying-polymeric-sand-to-an-existing-patio-or-walkway

I use 1-2" of gravel, then 1/2" of sand to control my level/angle etc. Those 'Home Depot' bricks have to be level to look right. Sometimes that means a stair step or two when placing them on an incline. I got a 3' level at Harbor Freight CHEAP : )

Absolutely not! I have had extensive garden beds for decades and have never used polymeric sand for the edging pieces. Merely follow these simple instructions (I don't use a level, I just eyeball things)

https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-brick-edging/9ba683603be9fa5395fab907a9ccb74

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/paving-stone-garden-edging-42110.html

https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/projects/all/how-to-install-brick-edging-in-your-garden/

I do dig a trench and lay the edging as level as possible. I use the sand/soil from the bed as filler when needed. As my garden beds grow with time, setting edging permanently would not work for me. I don't find much shifting around and it's easily fixed as I work in the garden.

No you don't need paving sand for landscaping. If you were doing a patio or walkway you would. Dig a small trench and place the first layer about 1/3 deep in the trench. Make sure it's level. Then just use architectural concrete adhesive caulk for the next layers.

Thank you so much for your reply. I've never heard of a concrete adhesive caulk but I will try it.