Gardens today are classed as being a valuable extension to the home, somewhere that’s not purely a place to eat, cook and entertain during the summer months, but an area that now has year-round appeal.

But gardens haven’t always had this 365-day attraction, unimaginative designs and uninteresting features have in the past restricted the garden to a mere six months a year, it’s only since new gardening and interior programmes have appeared on our television screens that they’ve provided the inspiration needed to re-awaken creativity.

New Concepts and Designs

Today, new concepts, colour schemes and designs within our gardens and on our driveways are pushing the boundaries to create outdoor havens that not only complement the home, but more importantly add essential value to it.

In the property stakes, external appearance counts for a lot, and for a prolonged period of time the emphasis has been placed on creating the perfect lounge or that modern kitchen. Today however, the focus is well and truly shifting as the British public are in the midst of exploring the potential of the great outdoors.

Appearance Matters

Driveways are the first feature that can really make or break the appearance of a home – get it right and it can enhance curb appeal, get it wrong and it can damage the entire personality of a home forever.

During the last five years, more and more of us have rid ourselves of front gardens in favour of a fully landscaped driveway because of a number of factors. Firstly, there’s no such thing as a one-car family any more - we want more space for our vehicles and we’re not prepared to compromise. Additionally, as our lifestyles become increasingly hectic we no longer have time to maintain two gardens, one is more than enough for the average British family.

Trends have also clearly moved with the times and instead of seeing simple borders framing expanses of lawn, contemporary and innovative designs that boast individuality are becoming more commonplace in the garden today. What’s more, home owners are increasingly investing in materials other than plants and shrubbery to enhance their outdoor space with everything from driveway pavers to wood chippings being carefully selected to add colour and texture.

Mark Morris, sales director for brick manufacturer, Baggeridge says: “Many of us aspire to having beautifully crafted gardens and driveways that require very little maintenance which is why our Origins range of clay pavers have become a popular choice of material in recent years.

“Having moved away from expanses of greenery in the front and back gardens, more and more of us are combining different materials such as cobbles, clay paving, brick work and water features, to give a varied and unique appearance to the garden, patio and driveway.”

Longevity and Durability

Clay pavers are a popular choice to utilise outside because of their longevity, durability and practicality. Harsh weather tends to take its toll on the garden and driveway throughout the year, yet clay products can stand the test of time and one unique is that they are fade resistant. Concrete pavers are another viable option to use however, their lifespan does not live up to that of clay.

Pavers also have the advantage over other products of helping to keep gardens and driveways alive throughout the seasons. The sheer variety of choice now available means that they can help to create an old fashioned ambience, add the finishing touch to a period property, create a contemporary feel or even a unique signature style.

By using products and materials that continue to push the boundaries of exterior trends, outdoor living can become even more enjoyable and with a little imagination and a bit of effort, the garden and driveway can become a landscaping dream and a true extension of the modern home.

01 March 2006