What do you do when you have a 15-year-old house with a blank canvas garden and a vision for something that feels like it has been there for centuries? For the creator behind the popular social media account @man_about_gardening, the answer lay in a total hardscaping transformation. Moving away from the typical new-build paving, he set out to create a lived-in, traditional courtyard right in the heart of Telford, Shropshire.

new build paving before

Living in a quiet new build estate, the garden originally suffered from poor drainage and an uneven lawn that made the space difficult to use.

"We wanted to create a space that felt lived in but fitted with our house design," he explains. "A garden that feels that it has always been here."

Drawing inspiration from the world-renowned David Austin Rose Gardens in Shropshire, the goal was clear: a traditional courtyard style that complemented the warm, mellowed red brick of the house and his extensive collection of terracotta planters.

The Materials - A Match Made in Heaven

To achieve that "original stone" feel, choosing the right materials was vital. Working with local landscaper Matt from MSR Building, the couple created mood boards and spent time selecting the perfect products from the Westminster Stone range.

The Foundation - Yorkstone Paving

The choice of Westminster Stone Yorkstone Paving provided the character and appeal of traditional Yorkstone but with the reliability of high-quality stonecast.

"The texture and warm hue of the paving fitted very well with the terracotta tones in our garden wall. In the summer months, the sun warms the paving and helps give the ambience we were looking for, inviting you into our outdoor space."

Traditional English courtyard garden with Yorkstone paving and red brick walls, replacing standard new build paving.

The "Cherry on Top" - Cheshire Decorative Edging

While the paving set the tone, it was the Cheshire Decorative Edging that stole the show—and the hearts of his social media followers.

"We’d never seen anything like it before. We wanted to highlight the terracotta colours even more, bringing our own personality to the garden. It’s the 'cherry on top' of the design."

To elevate the look further, Cotswold Cream Chipping Stones were used to bridge the gap between the paving and the edging—a combination he describes as a "match made in heaven."

Traditional English courtyard garden with Yorkstone paving and red brick walls, replacing standard new build paving.

Overcoming the Lawn Fear

One of the biggest hurdles was the decision to remove the lawn entirely. For many, a garden without grass feels like a risk, but for this project, it was the ultimate solution to the drainage pain points of the previous space.

"We thought we may regret completely removing the lawn, but it was the best decision. Now we can fully utilise every inch of the garden, creating different seating spaces to enjoy all the sunny spots."

Life in the New Garden

The transformation has completely changed the couple's daily routine. The garden now features:

  • A Haddenstone water fountain centrepiece.
  • A brick raised planting space filled with roses.
  • A pergola ready for a new dining space this summer.

"The favourite part of our garden now is having a strong foundation to walk around and enjoy every area. I look forward to my morning wander with a cup of tea."

The Verdict: In Three Words

When asked to describe the vibe of the new space, the answer was simple: "Traditional English Beauty."

Traditional English courtyard garden with Yorkstone paving and red brick walls, replacing standard new build paving.

Advice for Fellow Gardeners

When asked for his top piece of hardscaping advice, the @man_about_gardening creator suggests three things:

1. Collaborate: Spend time looking at materials with your landscaper.

2. Visualise: Cut images from magazines and create a mood board of your vision.

3. Go Local: "Westminster Stone has that real family-run feel. They provided a 5-star service and were fantastic with sourcing materials."

A Timeless Transformation

This project is a masterclass in how to turn a standard new-build plot into a space brimming with character and heritage. By moving away from a high-maintenance lawn and leaning into the warmth of Stonecast Yorkstone, the team at @man_about_gardening has proved that you don’t need a period property to enjoy a traditional English garden.

The combination of clever landscaping, local expertise, and the right materials has resulted in a garden that doesn’t just look beautiful—it’s now a functional, all-weather extension of the home.

Traditional English courtyard garden with Yorkstone paving and red brick walls, replacing standard new build paving.
Traditional English courtyard garden with Yorkstone paving and red brick walls, replacing standard new build paving.
Traditional English courtyard garden with Yorkstone paving and red brick walls, replacing standard new build paving.

Project Credits


"Westminster Stone has that real family run feel to there business. They have been fantastic to work with and provide a 5 star service. The team were so helpful with sourcing the materials and ensured a seamless delivery. All products are of a high quality and were exactly as described and shown. Great communication throughout with a friendly professional approach, I can’t recommend enough!  "

Shop the Look: Traditional English Beauty

Love the look of this Telford transformation? You can recreate this classic courtyard aesthetic in your own garden with the exact products used in this case study:

Yorkstone Paving Slabs

Enhance your outdoor space with the timeless beauty of Yorkstone paving slabs. These exquisite slabs, handcrafted using original Yorkstone masters, authentically replicate the charm of this prized material. Their characteristic riven texture and warm, varied hues create a sense of welcoming elegance, perfect for patios, pathways and any outdoor area where you desire a touch of classic style.

Shop Yorkstone
yelow paving in cotswols cottage garden

Gardenstone Cheshire Patio Edging

Make your paving look fantastic by adding a terracotta border using our Cheshire patio edging.  It is believed that the Roman’s first introduced the idea of an outdoor patio to the British Isles.  As they settled in Britain they were keen to carry on their Mediterranean lifestyle.   Making the most of the outdoor space as an extension of their villa, or home.  The Cheshire patio edging will help you create a bit of “roman style” to your patio and outdoor living space.

Shop Cheshire Patio Edging

About the Author

Sian McHugh

'Sian has been working with us at Westminster Stone for over 7 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.'