Concrete slabs Melbourne paving offers a long-term and cost-effective solution for driveways, roads and outdoor living spaces – not to mention being eco-friendly!
An economical combination of sand, stone and portland cement creates durable concrete pavements. Modern technology also includes reinforcement fibers and additives for increased strength. By adding textures to your concrete, organic appeal is achieved.
Stepping Stones
Concrete paving may seem less appealing for garden paths and small paved areas than stone or clay slabs, but it can look just as stylish in modern gardens. Here, jumbo slabs with fettled edges form an informal path leading from an informal seating area towards a main paved area of this garden. Their irregular design helps break up grey tones to make this scheme less clinical; planting among them adds color and texture into the space as well.
An inexpensive and straightforward method for creating rustic stone-like textures in concrete mixes is to use plastic bags dipped into dry concrete mixture. This also helps blend and adjust colors prior to pouring.
Raised Beds
Raised beds help conserve water and soil nutrients by offering spaces with improved drainage, but may require additional watering due to their elevated placement and wind and evaporation losses.
Prevent concrete from staining by lining raised beds with landscape fabric. This helps keep soil away from coming into direct contact with concrete while simultaneously decreasing weed growth in the bed.
Galvanized steel can last up to 10 years while adding rustic charm. Avoid treated wood as its chemicals may leach into the soil.
Minimalist Benches
Concrete benches offer an easy and inexpensive way to add seating to your garden without taking up too much space. Unlike wooden or upholstered seats, these durable benches can withstand weather conditions while offering different designs to complement any design aesthetic.
Bench seating should be strategically arranged around a landscape feature or focal point to encourage visitors to sit and take in the scenery. Benches also pair nicely with hardscape elements like fountains and tile or brick patios for a cohesive look. Concrete benches may require anchoring in windy environments to prevent theft or movement during use; graffiti-resistant coatings can help deter unwanted markings while keeping your bench looking brand new.
Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs add comfort and style to any backyard space, making the transition easy over concrete pavers. Furthermore, they’re great at hiding any unsightly stains or darker patches of concrete that may exist.
Urban Outfitters’ Tillie indoor/outdoor rug features an eye-catching geometric print to easily match with any furniture and decor, and boasts the added benefits of mold and mildew resistance as a reliable addition. It is made from polypropylene for long lasting performance while being mold and mildew resistant, too!
Prior to placing your rug, it’s crucial that the concrete surface be sealed to prevent staining. There are various non-destructive methods of keeping the carpet in place such as adhesives or tacks.
Rustic Layout
Concrete might not come to mind first when considering rustic settings, but modern paving products come in all styles from sleek and contemporary to rustic cottage garden-like settings. Timber-effect concrete slabs by Bradstone pair well with wicker furniture and an inviting planting scheme for an authentic cottage garden vibe.
Add texture and scent with rustic layouts by filling in the gaps between pavers with moss or hardy ground cover plants such as thyme and chamomile – it makes an attractive, low maintenance alternative to mulch while adding color, texture and scent. Plus if you are an avid chef you could even grow edible herbs!
Garden Edging
Garden edging ideas come in all styles and materials to match the surrounding landscape for a harmonious aesthetic. Choose an edge material that complements other features in the yard to achieve this result.
Brick and concrete are both sturdy solutions for creating an organized look in flowerbeds and lawns, while formal gardens with straight lines or geometric designs may choose brick as well.
Steel edging features an elegant aesthetic, making it the ideal choice for minimalist landscapes such as Zen gardens and xeriscaped front yards. Installation is made easy with flexible backing and sturdy spikes that can be placed either straight lines or curves for seamless integration into landscape design projects.
Rustic willow and off-cut logs make excellent natural choices for edging garden beds, offering the ability to create an eye-catching 19th-century domino effect or create eye-catching patterns when laid side-by-side in an eye-catching design.