Gironde paving flags were introduced by Bradstone in 2003, and have rapidly become one of their top sellers. Designed to recreate the light colors and texture of weathered limestone, its creamy color lends airy Mediterranean feel to your patio and other paving projects. Gironde is available in 6 sizes that can be used to recreate random patterned tiling. Bradstone also offers Gironde paving in 'feature kits' that contain all that you need to create stone circles and special features in your garden.
The warm creamy tones of Gironde paving are the perfect accent for a romantic garden, as demonstrated by David Domoney (for Better Homes) at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2003. His garden design featured Gironde paving stones in a semi-circular design leading up to terraced steps that allowed entry into a portico temple. The formal terraced garden design was completed a pair of waterfalls spilling into a central pool.
Your own garden plans may not be so ambitious, but you'll find that the faint blush that gives weathered, time-worn limestone its warmth will work well as the background for your garden, or as the main accent of your patio floor. The range of sizes available and the ease of working with patio 'kits' make laying a standard Gironde patio something that a handy do-it-yourselfer can manage on his own.
Among the most popular products in the Gironde line are the Gironde circle feature pack and the Gironde accessory corner pack. By combining the two, you can easily create a stunning squared patio with a central stone circle. If you're more ambitious than that even, and dare to step into designing and creating your own patterns, the range of six sizes lend Gironde paving stones to such diverse patterns as simple coursed walks, random patterned walkways and gracefully sweeping European fan patterned patios.
When choosing Gironde paving for your patio, keep in mind a few design tips offered by professional garden designers.
1. Choose colours that harmonise with your house. Gironde is a light paving stone with a warm creamy color. It creates a warm contrast with classic red brick or blush sandstone.
2. Minimize the 'shock value' of a straight-line contrast at the house line by using landscaping. Planters and low-growing shrubbery can lead the eye naturally from the house's lines to the patio's.
3. Keep your colors complementary - and minimal. If you want a pattern for your patio rather than plain slabs of the same size, consider a stone circle or European fans.
4. That said, a contrasting edging can be a dramatic contrast that defines that patio's space. Rows of Gironde paving slabs separated by a warm sandstone, or edged with gray cobbles can create a unique style statement.
5. When you choose accessories - patio furniture, planters and the like, keep in mind that the light color of Gironde paving will reflect sun and heat. Choose materials and textures that will add to the casual warmth of the flagstone terrace.