When it comes to making your patio feel a bit more alive and inviting, there’s no need to overcomplicate things. In fact, we find most people just want a space that looks good, feels relaxing, and doesn’t take too much effort to maintain. That’s where a few well-placed plants can make all the difference - especially when they’re paired with stylish, low-maintenance porcelain paving. Whether you're starting fresh or giving your garden a bit of a facelift for summer, we’ve pulled together five of the most popular and easy ways people style their patios with plants. These are the things you’ll actually see in gardens up and down the country - no need for a landscape designer or a full garden overhaul, just practical ideas that work!

1. Pots and planters in the right places

Not everyone wants to dig up borders or start planting in the ground.  Infact, most of us reach for a few good-looking planters from the garden centre and pop them in the spots that need a bit of life. It’s quick, easy, and makes a big difference. You don’t need loads either, just a couple of larger pots in corners or near your seating area will soften the space and make it feel much more put-together. Porcelain paving is a great base for this kind of styling because it’s clean, smooth, and works with any style of pot, whether you prefer something modern and minimalist or more rustic, like terracotta. Hardy plants like lavender, grasses, or small topiary balls are easy wins. They look good all year round and don’t need constant attention, which is ideal if you’re after low-effort impact.

2. Group greenery around your seating area

Most people tend to style the part of the patio they use the most, which is usually the bit with the table and chairs or that corner where you have your morning brew. And honestly, it’s a clever way to go about it. By focusing your plants around that main space, you naturally create a more welcoming atmosphere. Try placing a few larger pots around the seating area to add height and shape, then layer in some smaller planters with herbs or seasonal colours. Plants like olive trees, bay, or bamboo work really well in pots and aren't particularly difficult to look after. It all helps make the space feel more considered without going overboard!

3. Add height with wall planters or hanging baskets

If your patio is up against a wall or fence, don’t forget about the vertical space. It’s one of the easiest ways to add more greenery without cluttering the floor. We see lots of people using hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters to give their patio a bit of colour and variety. It’s a great trick if you’re short on space too. You could go for trailing plants like ivy or petunias, or even use it for herbs if you like cooking outdoors in summer. It adds texture and colour without making the area feel crowded, and it looks especially smart against the crisp, uniform surface of porcelain paving. Even just two or three planters on the wall can make a big difference visually!

4. Keep things simple with low-maintenance plants

Let’s be honest, unless you've got a green thumb, most of us want plants that more or less look after themselves. That’s why evergreen shrubs and hardy perennials are always firm favourites here in the UK. You’ll often see people using things like heucheras, skimmia, dwarf conifers or ferns - all of which do really well in pots and don’t need much fuss. They’re reliable, they look good all year round, and they give your patio that well-styled look without loads of seasonal planting. When paired with porcelain paving, which already has a clean and consistent finish, these sorts of plants add the right amount of texture and contrast to keep things interesting. It’s a great way to build up a patio design that lasts year-round and doesn’t demand constant upkeep.

5. Finish it off with gravel or slate around your planters

If you want to elevate your plants even further and add an extra layer of put-together style, decorative gravel or slate is a great finishing touch, especially around planters. It’s a simple trick that really helps tie everything together. It keeps things looking tidy, adds texture, and helps your pots stand out beautifully, particularly against lighter shades of porcelain paving. You don’t need loads either – just a few bags to line the edges of your patio or fill in small gaps between containers. It’s a subtle detail, but it makes your space look intentional and thoughtfully planned, giving it a polished, carefully crafted feel with very little effort. You can match the colour of the gravel to your porcelain paving for a seamless feel, or pick something with a bit of contrast to add depth and visual interest!

You don’t have to go all-out to get a patio you’re proud of. With porcelain paving as a solid, stylish base, it’s easy to bring in a few well-placed plants and create a space that feels calm, balanced and lived-in. Whether you're going for something modern and minimal or soft and natural, it all starts with the right foundation and a bit of green styling.

If you want to upgrade your paving at the same time as refreshing your outdoor space, you can count on us at Bridge Street Stone to help you get the look just right. We’ve a wonderful selection of stone paving to choose from, including beautiful porcelain paving, Indian Sandstone paving, Limestone paving , and Yorkstone paving – all available in a variety of colours, textures, and finishes. Give us a call on 01282 860571 if you’ve got any questions – we’re always happy to chat!