Flagstone is one of the best materials for patios primarily due to its narrow packed joints that allow water to permeate instead of running off. Flagstone patios also have a very natural, organic look due to their shape and earthy shades of browns, reds, grays and blues. The most common types of flagstone used for paving patios are sandstone, slate and limestone. Flagstone provides a durable and naturally slip-resistant patio surface that will last for years.
Benefits of a Flagstone Patio:
Natural look, Durable, Can be laid dry for a permeable surface
Moss, grass or a hardy ground cover can be grown between the stones
Rich color with natural variation
Flagstone Patio Patterns & Layout
Flagstones can be used to create a formal or informal patio. For a formal look, select cut flagstones and have them laid in a repeating pattern. For an informal look, select irregular flagstones and have them laid randomly. This informal style is often called crazy paving. Get flagstone design ideas with color tips, material match ups, steps, and more.
Random Rectangle Pattern
Selecting flagstone in a random rectangle pattern is ideal for creating a formal, organized look. The rectangle shape provides continuity in conjunction with the staggered joints that break up the monotony. When this pattern is mortared, it makes for a smooth surface for sliding chairs in and out from a dining table.
Irregular Pattern or Crazy Paving
For a more casual, organic appearance, an irregular flagstone pattern emphasizes the natural shape of the stone. Small stones or groundcover are used to fill the gaps, or it can be mortared. This layout may be more difficult to move patio furniture around on because of the rough stone edges and the series of small joints. Wide, sturdy wooden furniture is most suitable so that the chair and table legs don’t get stuck between the stones.
Popular Plants to Grow Between Flagstones
Growing plants in the small openings between flagstones will soften the look of a patio. Certain groundcovers and grasses are well suited, including these five popular types:
Various Types of Thyme, Baby Tears, Dichondra, Mint, Sedum, Moss
Small Garden
Small garden landscapes are incredibly detail-oriented. Whether the garden is gracing a condominium, a tiny bungalow, or a rooftop, there is no room for sloppy design or incompleteness. That's because what is neglected will invariably become an eyesore.
Despite their diminutive size, small gardens can also have plant palettes as varied as a larger garden. Small gardenscapes can range from quaint cottage-style designs to modern, upscale looks. To accommodate the limitations in space in a small garden, landscaping designers will often use miniature plant species, dwarf specimens and other adapted materials. A good designer doesn't scale down the same garden plan used for a palatial estate, but rather knows how to emphasize and embody the daintier dimensions of a small outdoor space.
When it comes to the design of small garden, it's important to attend to the details, design every inch, integrate surprise and splurge on materials. Whether you decide to create a very powerful and exciting small space or a modern minimalist one, a professional landscaper can help you bring your small garden to life.
Even the most disheartening small yard spaces can be made to look spacious and cozy. One of the best takeaways: When possible, create various levels in a small yard either by creating terraced "outdoor rooms" or simply by using raised planter beds.
By placeing bright, bold colors in the front of a small landscape because they catch attention first, making the rest of the yard recede and feel larger. Also, take advantage of texture in lush plantings. Large leaf plants and patio trees change the scale of a small space.
Summit and Eagle County, Colorado