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can be laid in attractive patterns, adding colour and warmth to a design. The small dimensions of bricks will create a satisfying contrast when juxtaposed with large paving slabs. Granite setts, cobbles and brick or clay pavers can also be laid in interesting patterns.

Gravel, which has a softer texture than hard paving, adds another type of contrast. It works with both formal lines and informal designs as it lends itself to curves. There are lots of different gravels available in many colours and grades. Choose one, or several, that will suit your design.

Additional Features
Including other features in paving or gravel gardens adds yet more interest. Ponds or fountains introduce the elements of water. Statues, large containers and even benches all make excellent focal points.

Incorporating Plants
Beds and borders can easily be incorporated into gravel and paved gardens. If you do not want to be bothered with maintaining large planted areas, you can create small filled spaces within the gravel or paving.

Beds can be filled with some low maintenance ground cover plants, but focal plants may also be desirable to draw the eye, especially during the winter. Architectural plants, such as Cordyline Australis (for warmer winters), or yucca Gloriosa (for cooler areas), work well as focal plants. Clipped box (buxus sempervirens) is useful for formal designs. Two or three clips during the growing season are sufficient to keep it in shape. Containers are another option, but they will require daily watering in summer unless you install an automatic watering system.