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Paving & Plant Suggestions - Wiltshire Cottage

cassheaphycassheaphy Posts: 2
in Garden design

Hi All,

I am looking for some suggestions for what plants and paving types play well together? I want to create a checkerboard type feature on the edges of my patio with plants interspersed with the paving and also want to break up the large terrace area with plants place strategically here and there.

Any ideas?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Posts

  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 6,891

    Its not a direct answer, but this page has some suggestions for plants that will work well in hard landscaping https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/articles/graham-rice/best-plants-for-driveways

    If you Google 'plants for cracks' (no really image ) you'll find a few articles and lists of possibilities for different situations.

    Most alpines and lots of herbs will be happy in that situation, but not all will put up with occasionally being stepped on. Thyme is the classic option because you can walk on it.

    Any sort of paving can work. Small paviors always look good with a 'soft' edge, and small inter-plantings. Big flags are better I think (entirely personal opinion) with planting around the edges rather than in between. So small ones for a path and big ones for a seating area. But that's by no means a 'rule'. You can use concrete and make it look like stone if you know what you're doing. 

    My only advice would be not to mix paving and gravel as you'll often see done. Gravel sticks to your shoes, ends up on the paving and then is lethally slippery.

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • cassheaphycassheaphy Posts: 2

    Thank you raisingirl I'll take a look at the article and Google that too! image

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,399

    Was this the sort of thing you had in mind? I found the image while researching my own garden. I guess the box would need a proper planting pocket with good soil, rather than expecting it to thrive growing amongst the hardcore sub base of paving.

    image

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,631

    Bear in mind also that it needs to be in tune with your cottage.  Using bricks, for example, would look odd with stone walls or flint.    Think also about how modernist or traditional you want it all to be and, of course, easy to maintain and keep looking good.  

    Beware of box as it is increasingly subject to an unsightly and ultimately fatal blight.   There are alternatives if you want a low clipped shrub.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • wayneking123123wayneking123123 Posts: 1

    Hi Cass,

    I recently completed my garden project. Unfortunately summer has ended - I had initially planned to have it done by August to enjoy the rest of the summer but hey ho - I got there in the end!

    I went for a more of an 'older' style, rather than giving the garden a modern / contemporary feel, as my property is situated in an old village. We had a new patio laid in between the edging that borders the garden. In between the edging and the fence we have put shingle down with various plants coming up through the shingle. My wife and I got some excellent deals at B&M and Homebase - especially now as we are going into the autumn so it's well worth going in store and looking for a bargain. 

    In regards to the patio, we opted for Pavestone Tudor Antique Deanery through Paving Direct: https://www.pavingdirect.com/sandstone-tudor-deanery-contractor-pack

    Having used sandstone paving before, I can honestly say the quality of the material is superb; it was easy to lay and looks very nice too!

    Good luck with your project. Remember, there is no right or wrong and be sure to chose something that you personally like!

    Wayne.

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