PAVING MATERIALS
The Ground Beneath Your Feet
This month, we're exploring a foundational decision in garden design: PAVING MATERIALS.
The material you choose for your garden floor does more than fill space. It sets the tone for the entire garden room…communicating character, connecting the garden to the house, and shaping how the space feels underfoot for years to come.
In this month's guide we'll explore seven paving material families together…from natural stone and concrete to gravel, wood, tile, and reclaimed materials. Along the way we'll look at how character, function, and architecture can shape your material choices…plus how texture, pattern, and edges bring it all together on the ground.
Whether you're designing for a client or your own outdoor space, this guide will give you a vocabulary and practical framework for future paving decisions.
Let's do this!
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Our local landscape supply yard in the video above is Quick Supply Co.
GOODNESS FOR YOU THIS MONTH
Below you will find several items to help you learn more about PAVING MATERIALS. From written words to video to applied activities to our Design Library to group discussions. Explore our topic from different angles and gain a new perspective. Click below to download a PDF of your Garden Design Guide and activity. Further down you will find a video and links to our community, plus two live Monthly Meetups!
VIDEO: PATIO PAVING DEMO
This video shows how I draw and design paving for a patio space.
RESOURCES in our DESIGN LIBRARY
Below are some past Garden Design Guides to help you with this month's topic.
UNIT PAVER DESIGN
This is a special material that can serve many functional needs, while also having endless pattern options...from herringbone to basketweave to running bond.
YOUR GARDEN STORY + STYLE
Your style is your unique preferences and approach to everything you do. Many of us are in constant search of our style, but maybe, just maybe it's right there in front of us?
SENSE OF PLACE
Creating a sense of place in landscape design involves a deep understanding of the site's history, architecture, ecology, and cultural context, as well as, the thoughtful integration of these elements into your design.
ARCHITECTURE IMPACT
Many things can influence our landscape design, but sometimes the most impactful source of inspiration is the architecture right in front of us.
THE GARDEN FLOOR
The garden floor is where life happens…where we walk, gather, and play. It’s the starting point for spatial design and establishing structure in your garden.
REPETITION
Repetition is a way to create cohesion and harmony in your outdoor spaces…by intentionally repeating elements like plants, colors, and materials.
TEMPLATE LIBRARY
Are you looking for some furniture, planters or even paving patterns to add to your drawings? Check out some options below.
OUR COMMUNITY
Don't forget to hang out with us this month.
Check in to share your activity. Try it yourself and/or learn from the submissions of your peers. No need to stress. Just enjoy!
ACTIVITY:
Learn about Your Regional Paving Materials
This month, you'll visit a local landscape material supply store to learn about what paving materials are available in your area. You can also try drawing those materials as you design a small patio space. Submit your activities below.
Do you have a question?
Do you have a question on this month's topic or another design question? Let's all learn together!
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Click below to add it to our community.
Moved closer to a goal?
Share your win with us.
Tell us what you’ve done this month that got you one step closer to your dream...we’re ready to celebrate with you!
LIVE SESSIONS
We have two this month: our normal Monthly MeetUp, plus we have a guest speaker. These will be recorded in case you can't make it (then posted right back here). Check out all UPCOMING MEETUPS here.
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Please CLICK HERE to sign up for a Design Discovery Session with me and three of your peers. We'll use this time to learn about your design journey and help you navigate our Design Library.
A Discussion about Garden Materials
We're excited to have Kathryn Prideaux from Prideaux Design in Tucson, Arizona chat with us about her process for choosing materials in the garden. Did you know she is a recent APLD Designer of the Year? Bonus for us.
Date coming soon!
Monthly MeetUp
Let's catch up on this month's topic, plus share our activities. I can't wait to see you!
Tuesday, July 28
8 AM PT | 9 AM MT | 10 AM CT | 11 AM ET
London: 4 PM BST
Sydney: June 29 at 1 AM AEST
I'd love your feedback once you've devoured all this goodness.
Drop me a note at the email below and let me know what you loved and what could be improved. Thank you!
Please contact me at hello@papergardenworkshop.com
