Concrete Gardening

Concrete is a hard, unyielding material that is used in the garden as a foundation for structures as well as a surface in its own right. Like tarmac and asphalt, it is mainly used for drives and other hard-wearing areas, particularly those around sheds or greenhouses to make large, flat surfaces for storing or mixing materials. In spite of its rather cold and unattractive appearance, it does have the advantage of being cheaper than most other paving materials; it is also very strong – particularly if it is reinforced – and relatively easy to lay compared to other surfaces.

Concrete does not look attractive enough to be used on its own in areas intended for relaxation, especially if it is introduced in large, unrelieved expanses. It will eventually acquire the patina of age, but this will take several years and will never fully disguise the harsh appearance of the material. However, concrete can be made to look much more acceptable and less harsh if its surface is brushed while still damp to reveal a pebble or gravel aggregate. This mellow, soft appearance is better suited to a garden setting.

There are other ways of texturing concrete to make it look more interesting. On some even surfaces it is possible to press objects, such as strong-veined leaves, into the freshly laid concrete so that a decorative impression is left when they are removed. Alternatively, designs, abstract or otherwise, can be drawn in the semi-wet concrete, but these must be done well to be successful. Do not forget that it is virtually impossible to remove any marks once the concrete has set. Avoid making the impressions too deep as they will only create an uneven surface, unstable for furniture, and the grooves will collect dirt and water. Make sure there are no rough edges.

Concrete can be used in association with other materials; small areas can be decorated with large pebbles or cobblestones which are embedded in the wet concrete to create a pattern. This may be uncomfortable to walk on, but it does make an attractive surface for a little-used spot. Concrete can also be tarred and covered with gravel while the tar is still wet, giving it a permanent gravelled surface. Alternatively, it can also be coloured by the addition of special pigments, but this is rarely satisfactory as the end result can look too garish and artificial for the natural garden environment.