LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS SAFETY, SECURITY & SMART HOMES


TEXTURES, PATTERNS & NATURAL FINISHES 2025 is all about gardens that make a statement through landscaping. Be bold and experiment with different patterns, colours, sizes and even laying patterns to add a unique touch. Consider how to link the different elements of the garden. Gone are the days of drab grey pavers – today self- builders can mix a wealth of materials, decoative fi nishes and ae natue inspired colour palettes for paving, patio areas and walling. Don’t be afraid to play with texture. Combine different materials like smooth slabs with textured natural stone-look concrete. This creates visual interest and can turn your patio or walkway into a statement feature.


The same is true of colour.


Co-ordinating tones and colours creates cohesion and ensures that had landscaing  os thoughout the garden. Alternatively, use contrast to create a dramatic, contemporary look.


SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS & SMARTER DRAINAGE 83% of self-builders want to incorporate eco-friendly options into their plans. Outside the home, this means replacing traditional driveways and patio materials with sustainable options such as permeable paving.


Permeable paving is a type of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) device that helps manage surface water uno o ain to event  ooding t oks y sloing and fi lteing the ate at the source by trapping and breaking down harmful pollutants within the stone. t coes in a vaiety o fi nishes and surfaces, so permeable paving can be tied into the design aesthetic of the hoe ts also vitually indistinguishale from standard block paving, meaning self-builders can mix and match, using permeable paving for driveways and larger patios, and standard paving for pathways where permeable paving may not be practical.


BLENDING PAVING WITH PLANTING ntegating geeney ith aving and walling creates a more natural, balanced garden design and helps create privacy. Use a mix of bold, sculptural plants, such as grasses or hydrangeas to create a statement. As with hard landscaping, consider how colour, pattern and texture will work together.


Decorative walling can form a perfect backdrop for tall and climbing plants like ivy, clematis or wisteria. Beds above retaining walls can be planted with trailing plants that tumble


over the top, creating pools of colour. Vertical planting is also a great way to maximise smaller spaces. For sustainability, opt for native plants


to create wildlife-friendly gardens. Plants that thrive in the UK climate require less water over the dryer summer months. They’ll also attract vital ollinatos such as ees and utte ies ncooating sensoy eleents like agant  oes tetued lants and water features will also encourage nature and create tranquillity. Ultimately, good design is about unlocking the potential of your outdoor space. Decorative and retaining walls can shape and zone a garden, creating beautiful, functional spaces suitable for year-round use. Playing with texture, colour and patterns as part of the hard landscaping design adds a depth and personality that truly mirrors the home. At the same time, permeable paving gives self-builders the chance to ensure solutions are sustainable too. Finally, softening the scheme with planting will create a space that balances form and function, and elevates your garden from good to truly great.


Anita Magee is a landscape architect & garden designer at Tobermore


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