Choosing the Right Materials for Your Garden in Somerset

When planning a new garden or major improvement, layout is only part of the equation. The materials you choose will determine how your garden performs, how it ages, and how much maintenance it requires.

At Grounded Landscape Design, we have over 25yrs of in-house experience in the domestic landscaping sector & we trust that our knowledge of the ever developing material options available, will help guide you in your choices.

Across Taunton and the wider Somerset area, ground conditions, rainfall, and property styles vary considerably. A material that works perfectly in one setting may be entirely unsuitable in another.

A well-considered garden design does not just look good on paper — it specifies materials that are appropriate for the site, the budget, and the intended use.

Below are some of the key areas where careful material choice makes a significant difference.

Choosing the Right Paving

Paving is often the largest visual and financial component of a garden project. The options are extensive, but they generally fall into three broad categories:

1. Natural Stone

Natural stone offers variation, character, and longevity. Sandstone, limestone, slate and granite & Somerset quarried Blue Lias, all behave differently in terms of:

• Porosity
• Slip resistance
• Colour consistency
• Weathering characteristics

Taking Indian sandstone initially, the varied colour options available are due to the mineral characteristics of the stone, (unlike a concrete product for instance, in which colour is just a matter of a different dye).

This mineral difference & the geological circumstances in how it was formed, means not all sandstone’s offer the same durability & resistance to algae build up. Generally, the lighter the stone, the softer it is. Fossil Mint, for instance is much softer & prone to greening up than our favourite sandstone choice for Somerset gardens of Kandla Grey.

In essence, it’s only by being familiar in dealing with these products, that you get to know what performs best in our climate. It’s often a point that suppliers fail to mention.

Blue lias paving is local to Somerset & can be a good choice if used advisedly. There are often stocks of reclaimed blue lias in places like Glastonbury Reclamation & Wells Reclamation. There are also local suppliers of blue lias cobbles & setts, like Hadspen Quarry for instance.

Apart from these two options we’ve looked at in more detail, limestone is a good choice, again if it’s used correctly.

Limestone stacker paving has become increasingly popular in recent years, with a good selection available at Somerset supplier, Allgreen.

In essence, we are saying that if you’re considering using natural stone paving, getting advice from people experienced in using it is often the best way to go.

Manufacturers advice is often comprehensive and useful, but they don’t always like to point out the down sides in particular paving choices & they don’t always factor in local conditions.

The detailing matters as much as the slab itself — jointing compounds, edge restraints, and sub-base specification all influence performance.

2. Concrete & Manufactured Paving

Manufactured paving products have evolved significantly in recent years. Suppliers such as Marshalls, Bradstone, Brett, Formpave and Pavestone offer a wide range of finishes and formats.

These systems can provide:

• Consistent sizing
• Controlled colour blends
• Permeable paving options
• Coordinated edging systems

For some Somerset properties — particularly contemporary builds — these products can create a cleaner, more structured aesthetic.

Concrete products have understandably become a lot less popular, (we certainly don’t specify them often), because there are plenty of natural stone & porcelain options for a similar price. The concrete paving in the above photo for instance, is costs almost twice as much as Indian sandstone. Granted, it does look nice though!

Like a lot of paving, choosing a light colour can lead to the signs of algae growth showing very visibly & regular jet washing of concrete products, often leads to them being more susceptible to weathering in future years.

3. Porcelain Paving

Suppliers such as London Stone and Marshalls offer high-quality external porcelain ranges.

Porcelain is:

• Low maintenance
• Colour stable
• Highly consistent

However, it demands precise installation and appropriate base preparation. Poor detailing can quickly undermine what should be a premium finish.

In exposed or sloping Somerset gardens, drainage falls and edge restraint become particularly important with porcelain installations. An increased fall in relation to natural stone is favourable, because water can “hang” on the edges of the tiles due to water tension.

If specified & laid correctly, with the right bedding & jointing methods, porcelain is definitely one of the best paving options available.

Decking Options: Timber vs Composite

Decking introduces warmth and usable level changes within a garden. The key decision is typically between natural timber and composite systems.

Pressure-Treated Timber Decking

• Natural appearance
• Lower initial cost
• Requires ongoing maintenance
• Subject to weathering and movement

Detailing, ventilation and fixing methods are critical to longevity. Also you have to factor in the inevitable extra maintenance when selecting timber decking, especially in shady areas, where composite is probably a better option.

Composite Decking

Manufacturers such as Millboard have developed high-performance composite systems that replicate timber aesthetics while offering improved durability.

Composite options generally provide:

• Reduced maintenance
• Increased slip resistance
• Colour stability
• Longer life expectancy

They do, however, require careful structural framing and allowance for expansion and contraction.

The decision often comes down to long-term maintenance preference and overall project budget.

Walling & Structural Elements

Walls do more than define boundaries. In many Somerset gardens, they:

• Retain changes in level
• Frame terraces
• Create raised planting areas
• Provide seating or visual structure

Material choice should reflect both structural requirements and local character.

Brickwork

Using quality brick from established UK manufacturers allows walling to tie into the existing property. Matching tones and mortar specification can make a new wall feel original to the house.

Reconstituted & Natural Stone Walling

Manufactured stone walling from suppliers such as Bradstone can provide a consistent aesthetic.

In more rural Somerset settings, traditional materials such as Blue Lias stone often suit period properties and agricultural surroundings. Blue Lias, with its distinctive grey-blue tones, sits comfortably within the local vernacular and can create a strong regional identity within the design.

Natural stone walling does, however, require appropriate footings and structural consideration — particularly where retaining is involved.

Thinking Beyond Appearance

When selecting materials, I consider:

• Sub-base depth and type
• Drainage integration
• Structural loading
• Access constraints
• Junction detailing
• Long-term maintenance expectations

Having worked both on-site and in design for decades, material choice is always approached from a construction perspective as well as an aesthetic one.

A patio is not just slabs.
A deck is not just boards.
A wall is not just a visual feature.

Each element interacts with the ground conditions, property style, and intended use.

A Practical Approach for Somerset Gardens

Whether you are in Taunton, a surrounding village, or a more exposed rural location, the right materials should enhance your property and stand up to local conditions.

If you are planning a full garden redesign — or a single element such as a patio, deck or retaining wall — early material specification helps ensure the finished project performs as well as it looks.

A carefully considered design protects your investment and avoids costly changes later.

If you’re considering a garden design in Somerset, Devon or Dorset, we’d love to hear from you.