Permeable paving design at Lotusland Photo by Jane Gates

In the new movement for sustainable landscaping, permeable paving has become a major part of artistic, practical and efficient garden design. Permeable paving is quite simply the use of materials for paving that allows water to penetrate easily. Gravel, sand, blocks, stone and other materials that are not cemented into a solid surface all qualify as permeable paving. They can be used for patios, walkways, driveways and other flooring areas. Not only are these areas more successful at draining water and more flexible should you want to make changes, but permeable paving is a perfect medium to use for art. Using the wide variety of color, shape, and texture available in permeable paving materials you can create pictures, patterns and designs that are limited only by your imagination.

At the Pacific Horticulture Symposium in Pasadena, permeable paving artist Jeffrey Bale offered a lecture with many pictures of some of the creative designs he has created in landscapes all over the world. Check out ideas on how to use permeable paving as art on sites like Jeffery Bale, Keeyla Meadows, or visit examples used in places like the Lotus Garden in Santa Barbara or the Los Angeles County Arboretum.

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