Gardening between a rock and a hard place

Hate grass? Never want to mow again? Try out pebbles, concrete, rock and wood, writes Eoin Lyons

Concrete: isn't always lumpy or grey. It can be cast in situ for smooth expanses and customised shapes. Concrete can also be treated to create a range of finishes. Power blasted when almost dry, the pebbles and gravel in it become exposed, creating a rugged texture. It can also be polished, carved, brushed or dyed.

Scudding Clouds in Dublin supplies a number of specialised concretes and are the best people to talk to about using the material imaginatively.

Scudding Clouds 01 4761004

Decking: seems to be everywhere but still brilliant for a relaxed feel. Available in range of woods and can be stained or painted, as well as varnished. Decking boards laid across a narrow space can make it seem wider; laid lengthways, can seem longer.

Hardwood decking is more expensive than softwood, but if you're prepared to paint it regularly with preservative, it's not so bad.

The Deck Centre, North Road, Exit 5, Dublin 11 01 844 3598

[ www.thedeckcentre.com ]

Natural Stone slabs: if you've got the money, this can be a great choice for a natural looking paved area with traditional architecture. Fill the gaps between the slabs with soil instead of mortar to allow plants grow in them. Natural stone is usually available in slate, granite and sandstone. Stone can look terrible if badly laid so get someone to do it well.

Martin Hyland, 087 2397430

Pebble and geometric stone: outdoors, uncomplicated shapes usually look best. Plants provide shapes and textures and can look best set against a simple floor.

If paving a large area, using two different materials -- such as pebble and stone, as shown here - can visually break up the area if laid in an attractive pattern.

Garden Works 01 8450110