All gardens need a break from borders and lawns some don't need them at all. The medium of choice for hard-surface needs is often flagging. With subtle use of colour and texture, flagging can complement or replace any garden feature.
With heavy work followed by some precise fine-tuning any patio, pavement or feature can become as tidy yet striking as any well-kept lawn; and it requires much less maintenance.
It is, however, a heavy job that requires skilled application.