In article ,
sacha wrote:
But if he does start with paved over, *attractive* (mega important word
there) stones, cobbles, (I *love* cobbles and long to use them somewhere,
sometime) or even different types of paving/stone/cobbles to add interest,
plus pots with plants of their choice, this could be a *fantastic* small and
above all, enjoyed, garden. THIS garden will be all about design, textures
and harmony of *natural* materials but above all, enjoyable use. Stone
slabs, bricks, terracotta pots, water, carefully chosen plants in those pots
etc. etc. It wouldn't be all about unwanted, grudgingly mown lawn and
rigidly kept to the side, depressed borders.
I would so much rather buy a house with a garden like that which had been
thought about and looked after to its minimal requirements, than a house
with an unloved, unkempt garden, because I would immediately wonder if that
attitude reflected on the house itself.

Agreed.

Another idea:
Have paving, but with gaps in it (a bit like a sparse checkerboard
pattern). In the gaps, have some perennial plants. Low maintenance,
and good choice of paving/cobbles arrangements and plants in the gaps
can make for a very attractive garden.

Sharon