Livinghouse

Garden paving has to be one of the most versatile materials for landscaping as it delivers great coverage and can provide clean, streamlined designs when required. But if the idea of a sea of grey or neutral fills you with dread, how about letting nature soften the edges, create drama and cushion the blow?

Planted paving

This idea is perfect for the lazy gardener and great for injecting a little colour and texture into a predominantly paved area.

Create the look: opt for a neutral coloured stone paving and alternate with low maintenance plants such as succulents. Opt for several varieties to vary the colour and form, or stick with one variety to create uniformity and a contemporary design.

Defined paving

Low ground-covering plants, such as moss, are great for providing definition and a shot of colour in paved areas. Not only does moss help to soften the harshness of modern designs, but it also provides a plum infill that’s comfortable underfoot.

Create the look: plant moss or other ground-covering plants approximately three inches apart – to allow for growth – between the paving stones.

Don’t fancy the ‘grout effect’? Then opt for stripes instead.

Prefer something more random? Then vary the position of your paving to dictate where the moss grows.

Aromatic paving

Whether they’re planted in the ground, confined to pots on our decks or adorning our window boxes, herbs often feature in our gardens. They’re great for providing scent and of course adding flavour to our culinary efforts. But how about using them to break up the paving or cobbles in your cottage garden?

Create the look: plant aromatics, such as chamomile and pennyroyal mint, between your paving stones or cobbles and get a whiff of their gorgeous aroma when you step on them.

Colourful paving

If you fancy more than just a shot of green between your stone paving, then opt for low ground-covering plants such as sedum which comes in a range of colours. Alternatively, choose Sempervivum calcareum to create an impressive colourful ‘rug effect’.

Create the look: often found growing in dry-stone walls and rockeries, Sempervivum calcareum could work well planted between paving stones. Just remember to space accordingly when planting to allow for growth.

Low maintenance paving

For those of you who really can’t face the idea of plants interfering with the uniformity of your paving stones, gravel, slate or small pebbles keep weeds at bay and provide a clean and ordered infill. Choose a similar colour way to your paving to complement the look, or a contrasting colour to add definition and interest.

Head to Livinghouse for a great range of garden paving, including Sandstone and York Stone Flagstones, English Terracotta Clay Cobbles and English Clay Cobbles, as well as English Terracotta Slip Paviors and English Handmade Brick Pavers.