For many people, the garden is a sanctuary at home. Our outdoor living space is somewhere we can go to escape the rigours of daily life, connect with nature, and give ourselves a chance to slow down, refocus, and recenter.

Being out in the fresh air, surrounded by plants, flowers, and wildlife, and basking in the summer sun can do wonders for your health and well-being. That's why it’s essential to set aside a space in the garden where you can sit, relax, and unwind.Of course, a garden patio is absolutely perfect for this, and no traditional English country garden would be complete without one. Patios are also ideal for entertaining, providing a space where you can have friends and family over without worrying that you lack the room or facilities to accommodate everyone.

Patio paving: how do you choose suitable paving slabs for your space?

With so many garden paving slabs available, the choice can be overwhelming at first. However, each style has its advantages. 

With this in mind, it’s worth thinking about how you want to use your patio. Doing so will help you determine which garden patio slabs and materials best suit your needs.

You should also consider the size of the area you plan to use as your patio. Generally speaking, the bigger it is, the bigger your paving slabs should be to help keep everything to scale and aesthetically pleasing. If you use large patio slabs in a small area, you may find that the space looks even smaller by the time the last paving slab has been laid!

Which styles of patio paving are most popular?

Natural stone materials, like limestone, granite and sandstone, are the most popular choices for patios. They’re favoured among homeowners as they’re not overly expensive and come in various styles and colours, so you should have no trouble finding the right ones for you and your garden’s aesthetic.

Patio features: what other design elements should you consider?

Once your paving has been laid, you can start thinking about how you want to decorate your patio and what patio features you wish to include.

• Patio seating: A must-have for any discerning patio space, patio seats provide an area to relax and entertain.
  
• A fire pit: A patio fire pit or chiminea can create a focal point for any patio, offering warmth and atmosphere—something you’ll be thankful for in our unpredictable climate!
  
• A garden kitchen: Outdoor kitchens are incredibly popular at the moment, and installing one around your patio will undoubtedly elevate the space and take your hosting to the next level.
  
• Patio water features: The calming sound of a water feature will bring a sense of serenity to your patio, and with a vast range of water features available, styling your space into an aquatic oasis has never been easier!
  
• Patio plants: Who could forget your garden's most important element? Plants! A patio plant or three will soften your space, providing plenty of texture and colour against your patio and tying it into the rest of your garden. 

Climbing plants work particularly well on patios and smell amazing when sitting outside. A herb garden and edible flowers are also fantastic additions, giving you easy al fresco access to ingredients and inspiration when barbecuing and cooking outside.

If you’d like more information on Gardenstone’s products, please check out our FAQ page, or don’t hesitate to contact us directly with any questions!