Get the professional ‘show garden’ makeover look with new and reclaimed Yorkshire stone from Abacus

With spring finally in the air and gardeners all around the country gearing up for summer events such as The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, now is the perfect time to think about giving your garden a makeover.

New and reclaimed Yorkshire stone is just one of many materials often used by gardeners for those popular show gardens, simply because it has a timeless appeal and can be used to create either traditional or contemporary garden spaces.

Take a look at one of our earlier blogs which shows the various products we supplied to the award-winning Yorkshire Garden at the 2018 RHS Flower Show.

Whether you have a large country garden or a small plot in a townhouse, the natural beauty and versatility of reclaimed stone can be used to create:

• Stunning patios and outdoor living areas

• Sturdy walls to section off or define a space

• Character to landscape features

• Pathways and driveways

• Natural borders around architectural features or ponds

• Garden outbuildings

Patios: Create inviting outdoor living spaces

One of the most popular uses of natural Yorkshire stone in garden design is for creating patios. The soft look and feel of this natural stone paving can add a touch of sophistication to any outdoor living area. Take a look at our Grade A Yorkshire flagstones which have an uneven texture - great for creating that relaxed rustic look.

One of the key features of our reclaimed stone is that it is sensitively sourced from residential properties or outdoor locations, rather than from industrial premises of former mills where contamination can affect their good looks.

To create the ‘wow’ factor with a difference, think about using bigger, irregularly shaped slabs of Yorkshire stone to pave your patio area. These irregular shapes not only add visual interest but also create a natural, organic feel. Our cathedral grade Yorkshire stone is great for pathways or patios where you want to achieve a smoother, or more contemporary look. This stone, worn down by 100s of years of footfall, has a uniquely smooth patina.

Walls: How can you add structure and character?

Yorkshire stone walls are not only functional but also serve as striking focal points in garden design. Whether you're looking to create retaining walls, boundary walls, or decorative garden walls, Yorkshire stone offers unmatched durability and aesthetic appeal. And the great thing about it is that it looks aged when you install it, and it takes on its own unique characteristics as it ages further.

Our extensive range of reclaimed Yorkshire walling stone is often used in constructing new homes, but it’s also perfectly at home in gardens where it can be used as a dividing wall, or as a way of defining a space within your garden.

If you're working with reclaimed Yorkshire stone, there’s a wide range of finishes to think about - and not everything is about the uneven, rugged look. For example our Yorkshire Punch Face walling stone is a flat face, top quality coursed stone. The Rolls Royce of stonemasonry, it has a distinctive precision cut look and is perfect if you want a sharp, contemporary look.

If you want to mix the new with the old, take a look at our range of new building stone. Here you get all the benefits of new stone, but with a range of textures and finishes.

By way of contrast you could also consider our 140mm Yorkshire split faced tumbling stones which have a softer, rounder feel to them. These are ideal for outdoor buildings, as well as garden walls.

Depending on the stone you use, you can also incorporate mortar or dry stone techniques depending on the desired aesthetic. Our stone experts here can advise you on which products are suited to mortar or dry stone, and we have a product line especially focused on dry stone walling.

Driveways: Making a Grand Entrance

A well-crafted Yorkshire stone driveway is a great way to give your property that all-important kerb appeal, while providing a long-lasting surface for your car, or cars. It also helps create a natural look that can be blended into natural stone borders and pathways.

When using Yorkshire stone for driveways, it's essential to choose thicker slabs or blocks that can withstand the weight of vehicles without cracking or shifting.

For a traditional look, consider using reclaimed Yorkshire stone with its rougher, weathered surface.

Alternatively, new Yorkshire stone can be cut to regular, uniform sizes - great if you want a sharper, more modern look.

Whether you’ve got a modern home or a traditional one, one of the best ways to create a link between the driveway and the surrounding landscape is to plant greenery along the edges, or lay some gravel. This helps to merge the driveway into the garden.

Landscaping: Infusing Natural Beauty

Incorporating Yorkshire stone into your landscaping design can tie together the various elements of your garden while enhancing its natural beauty. From stepping stones and garden borders to water features and seating areas, the possibilities are endless. Watch this RHS Video by Chris Young on how to create garden paths using stone and other materials.

Mix and match new and reclaimed Yorkshire stone to create visual interest and texture throughout your garden. Use reclaimed stone for informal pathways and rustic features, while new stone can be reserved for more structured elements like raised planters or garden edging. Don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and arrangements to achieve the desired aesthetic.

For more inspiration on the effective use of stone, many garden designers look to the classic garden designer Gertude Jekyll who worked in partnership with Edwyn Lutyens on Hestercombe, one of the greatest naturally designed gardens of the 20th century.

With its timeless appeal and unmatched durability, Yorkshire stone really does offer endless possibilities for transforming your garden into a captivating outdoor retreat. It’s really popular here at Abacus Stone precisely because it has such a lasting, timeless look.

Whether you're revamping your patio, building walls, paving driveways, or landscaping your garden, our team of experts can talk you through the right products for each area of your project, as well as how to install and maintain them.

Come down and see us this spring. We’re open Monday to Friday 7.30am - 4.30pm. Saturday 8.00am - 1.00pm.