A paved outdoor area is great for fitting in folks for summer entertaining, but it can look dull when the vibrant personalities of your friends and family are absent. Flowers can give it a lift, and you could always move your plastic pots into designer containers, but they could cost more than the plants!
Save money by digging up some of the pavers, then plant blooms for instant floral fabulousness! With some clever plant solutions and a new tree to provide shade, this cost-effective makeover proves the garden you always wanted might be the garden you’ve already got, just with a few tweaks.
How to plant out your pavers in your backyard
Gather your supplies
- Organic matter
- Selection of plants
- Mulch
You’ll also need
- Pickaxe
- Spade
- Tape measure
- Marker
- Shovel
Step 1
Measure and mark out area of paving to be lifted.
Step 2
Lift pavers within marked area – you may have to sacrifice the first couple of pavers. Remove sand and road base underneath the pavers with a shovel.
Step 3
Turn over soil and dig in organic matter. Arrange plants until you’re happy with the display. Dig holes as deep as the pots, and twice as wide. Pour water in holes and, when water is drained, put in plants and press soil gently around plants.
Step 4
Water soil and mulch.
The outcome
Foxgloves take you back to childhood fairytales, with their cascading bell-shaped flowers looking like bobbing elves’ hats. Add to the movement, as here, with fine-leafed ornamental grass lomandra.
Take advantage of the paving pattern to extend a handful of bricks into the garden beds – it creates a naturalistic informality to fit in with your relaxed entertainment area.
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