The Landscaper talked to Richard Kearton of APL Awards triple gold medal winner Richard Adams Landscaping, to learn how he combined high quality paving and naturalistic planting to hone the perfect contemporary cottage garden.

Tasked with redesigning the garden of a period Suffolk home, Richard wanted to combine the romantic with classic modern simplicity to create a space that would give a contemporary spin on a cottage-style garden.

Richard’s experience and expertise proved critical to his appointment as a preferred supplier for Pavestone products, and to the success of the project. Like other preferred suppliers, the company had to pass a strict vetting process to become one of a select list of installers nationwide that Pavestone includes on its website.

Impartial process

Pavestone neither charges nor receives any fees to include high quality installers on the list, it emphasises – preferring the process to be wholly impartial, to ensure it works “only with the best of the best, it told The Landscaper, “to give homeowners the confidence they need when appointing someone to handle their landscaping project”.

Looking to create a space for quiet morning strolls, greenhouse visits, evening entertaining and simply making the most of ‘the room outside’, Richard knew that the combination of soft and hard landscaping, and use of premium paving materials, would be key to the success of his garden design.

He chose Pavestone’s Dolomite paving in French limestone throughout the garden to create a beautiful contemporary feel that complemented naturalistic planting and connected the different garden zones he had fashioned.

The zones comprise a patio area with rattan seating and adjacent dining area, which are perfect for entertaining as well as for alfresco eating; a separate, quieter seating area in which to enjoy more peaceful moments, the beautiful garden surroundings or a good book; the approach to the greenhouse with its raised rustic copper beds, and the greenhouse and growing area itself.

Naturalistic planting

Richard focused on naturalistic planting and the incorporation of cottage garden plants in every area of the garden including towering Verbena Bonariensis, pink Penstemon in raised beds, Helenium (sneezeweed), Salvia Nemorosa (woodland sage), Echinacea Purpurea (coneflower) and Geranium ‘Rozanne’ (cranesbill). While to add structure, he planted Agapanthus (African lily) and Mexican Feather Grass.

Cleverly, Richard also planted Erigeron Karvinskianus (Mexican fleabane) to create a unique garden feature – floating pathways and paved areas.

The risers between each step of the pathways weaving through the garden and the edges of other paved areas were populated with Mexican Fleabane to create the illusion of floating areas seemingly cushioned by soft flowers and foliage.

This design feature underlines one of the most striking elements of the garden design – that rustic cottage planting and contemporary hard landscaping can sit comfortably together.

Choice of paving was critical. The pale colour of the Dolomite paving in French limestone uplifts the space and gives an open, expansive look to each zone while being subtle enough to let the real star of the show – the cottage style planting – take centre stage.

By choosing to use only one type of paving, Richard also ensured the garden with its many different areas is cohesive and that the contemporary garden feel is maintained throughout. With the look of natural stone and a high quality, premium finish, the Dolomite paving also brings the modern benefits of porcelain: frost-resistance, low maintenance and safety underfoot year round.

“Truly exceptional work”

Reflecting the calibre of Richard’s work, he was awarded a gold medal for this project at the 2026 APL Awards, one of three golds he clinched for separate landscaping projects.

“Richard’s work is truly exceptional and we’re delighted it’s been recognised by the APL in its 2026 annual awards,” said Pavestone installation manager Steve Palmer. “His commitment to delivering beautiful landscaping projects for his clients is typical of the approach taken by our Preferred Installer network.

“As a business, we have worked in partnership with Britain’s best installers for many years and we are always keen to hear from installers who believe they can deliver high quality landscaping projects for our customers.”

To learn more about becoming a Pavestone Preferred Installer, contact either Steve Palmer or Mark Brown on 01386 848650, and view more stunning gardens created by Richard and his team at www.richardadamlandscapes.co.uk/gallery