Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's do an overview of UNIT PAVING PATTERNS so you can add some pizazz to your garden floor.

The patterns above include (from left to right on each row): basketweave, running bond, stacked bond, 45 degree herringbone, 90 degree herringbone, basketweave with a soldier course edge.

THE GARDEN FLOOR

The basic unit of landscape design is a GARDEN ROOM...and gardens rooms are composed of three planes: floors, walls + ceilings.

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The materials you choose for each of these planes will impact the character and feel of a space dramatically. When choosing ground plane or FLOOR materials it’s important to think about what is appropriate for the function of the space (will you be placing furniture on it or playing soccer?), as well as, how the materials aesthetically complement the architecture and surrounding elements.

UNIT PAVER STYLE

One option for adding beautiful details to the garden floor is using UNIT PAVERS. This is a collective term that includes clay bricks and precast concrete pavers. Their typical size is 4” x 8” (10cm x 20cm). What's super cool about unit pavers is that there are many different patterns you can create, plus you can combine more than one pattern for a fresh look.

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As you decide on a final pattern, think about how it reinforces your overall garden style. For instance, a herringbone pattern may fit well into a traditional design, while a stacked bond might work perfectly for a mid-century modern garden.

PAVING PATTERN INSPIRATION

Below are some common unit paver patterns to try in your garden. Click on each title to visit a Pinterest board with examples. Think about how you can create your own pattern too!

Basketweave: Two pavers that are rotated every square.

Running Bond: Two pavers that are staggered from the line above and below.

Stacked Bond: Pavers are stacked on top of one another.

Herringbone: Pavers are set at a 45 degree angle and staggered in a zigzag pattern

Soldier Course: An edge pattern often used as a “trim” for other patterns.

LET'S DO THIS!

Unit paver design is one of many topics we cover in our monthly membership, THE GARDEN DESIGN COLLECTIVE. We dive into one design topic each month and learn so much together. It is currently open for enrollment now through Thursday, May 19, 2023. Click here to learn more.

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To kick-start the re-opening of our design membership, we are also offering a free online GARDEN ROOM MASTERCLASS. There are still two sessions left. Click here to grab a spot.

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Thanks for letting me visit with you this week! I look forward to seeing you soon.

Happy spring,

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for designing the lovely graphics in this newsletter.