BBC Gardener's World Live showcases the magic of gardening and inspires us to cultivate green spaces, even in the most urban environments. This year Blue Diamond sponsored the "Urban Garden Area" and we are proud to have supported them in showcasing the incredible potential of urban gardening with their stunning plant capsule garden and our Porcelain Paving - aiming to inspire city dwellers and demonstrate the transformative power of urban gardening.

Creating a Luxurious Urban Retreat

Stepping into Blue Diamond's "Urban Garden Area" was like entering a secret haven. Showcasing a curated collection of 25 essential plants – their very own "capsule wardrobe" for urban gardens. These timeless staples were chosen for their suitability to urban environments. They're pollinator-friendly, climate-resilient, low-maintenance, and some are even ideal for growing on walls and structures. Visitors traversed a charmingly recreated urban terraced house filled with an array of interesting houseplants, culminating in a typical-sized urban garden. Both the interior and exterior were laid with our Mompesson Porcelain Paving in Ivory and provided a seamless inside-out finish to the area, complete with pizza oven, a corner to relax and a beautiful bordered walkway with our Mill Bay Porcelain tiles.

ivory porcelain paving

Mompesson Ivory and Mill Bay Driftwood: Paving the Way for Style and Function

Our Mompesson Ivory Porcelain Paving from our National Trust Townhouse Range and Mill Bay Driftwood Porcelain Paving from our National Trust Coastal Cottage Range added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the urban garden. These high-quality porcelain tiles go beyond aesthetics; they're incredibly practical for urban environments. Their exceptional durability ensures they can withstand the demands of city living, while their low-maintenance nature makes them ideal for busy lifestyles. The classic, neutral Mompesson worked well with the driftwood effect of Mill Bay, creating texture and interest while keeping it low maintenance.

Maximising Space with Timeless Design

One of the biggest challenges of urban gardening is maximising space. Here's where Westminster Stone's paving solutions truly shone. The clean lines and timeless designs create an illusion of spaciousness, allowing for a cohesive flow from the indoors to the outdoor haven. Whether you envision a stylish patio for relaxation or a compact entertaining area, our paving solutions allow you to create a luxurious feel in your urban oasis.

The Benefits of Urban Greening

At Westminster Stone, we advocate for the importance of incorporating green spaces into urban areas. With the UK population projected to rise significantly and a growing disconnect from nature, urban gardening becomes even more crucial. By "greening" our cities, we reap a multitude of benefits:

  • Improved Air Quality: Plants act as natural air filters, helping to combat pollution.
  • Reduced Flood Risk: Urban gardens can absorb rainwater, mitigating the risk of flooding.
  • Enhanced Biodiversity: By creating habitats for wildlife, urban gardens contribute to a healthier ecosystem.
  • Stress Reduction: Spending time outdoors in a green space has proven benefits for mental and emotional well-being.

Find us at Blue Diamond Garden Centres:

Inspired to cultivate your own haven in the heart of the city? Regardless of whether you have a balcony, a rooftop terrace, or a small backyard, Westminster Stone's paving solutions can help you transform your space into a luxurious urban retreat. Finding the perfect paving for your urban oasis is easy. Westminster Stone's exquisite porcelain paving is showcased at three Blue Diamond Garden Centres across the country: Fryers Garden Centre, Bridgemere Garden World and Grosvenor Garden Centre.

Together, let's transform urban landscapes into thriving green havens. Visit your local Blue Diamond Garden Centre today and discover how Westminster Stone's paving solutions can help you create your own slice of urban paradise!

ivory porcelain paving
driftwood effect porcelain tiles

About the Author

Sian McHugh

'Sian has been working with us at Westminster Stone for over 5 years and has developed expertise in garden design and landscaping. Her passion for nature extends to tending her own garden, teaching yoga and hiking during her free time.'