Every so often, a project comes along that just clicks.
The right people, the right place, the right materials — all working together to create something that feels effortless, even if (as is often the case in garden shows!) the timeline is anything but.
That was exactly the case when we got the call from London-based garden designer Katerina Kantalis about her concept for RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival 2025.
The brief? A Mediterranean-inspired balcony garden built in just 10 days, after a mere three weeks of planning. No pressure, then.
But when Katerina told us about her vision — warm tones, earthy textures, bold but balanced colour, and a relaxed, water-wise planting palette — we knew right away that our Lymington Dusk Limestone would be a perfect fit.
This garden, quite literally, paved the way for something special.
A Last-Minute Challenge That Sparked Creativity
The Balcony Garden category at Hampton Court is a relatively new initiative, adapted from a similar setup at RHS Chelsea. The idea is to create immersive, small-space gardens that feel real — spaces you could imagine stepping into on a warm summer evening, glass of wine in hand.
Katerina was invited to take part just a few weeks before the show opened.
“Three weeks to plan and then 10 days to build,” she told our very own Craig from Forest Stone in a video filmed onsite. “It’s definitely been a bit of a whirlwind… but sometimes having a tight brief actually brings out your creativity.”
And creative she was. Using a combination of reclaimed elements and carefully chosen new materials, the garden came to life as a Mediterranean-inspired retreat with a modern edge — sun-drenched, textural, and full of smart, sustainable ideas for real-world living.
Natural Materials and the Art of Simplicity
“I kept the garden relatively straightforward,” Katerina explained. “Mainly because of the time constraints. But even with something simple, you can still do some really interesting things.”
That theme of doing more with less ran throughout the build — especially when it came to materials.
Natural texture was the name of the game. From lime-based render on the walls to terracotta pots, reclaimed timber accents, and of course, our Lymington Dusk Limestone paving, every detail was chosen to evoke the feeling of an authentic Mediterranean balcony.
But the clever part was in the layering — and the subtle colour cues that made everything sing.
The rendered wall, for example, was a custom-mixed lime plaster, coloured with powdered clay in varying strengths to create a soft ombre effect. Darker at the top, lighter at the base — echoing the shadows cast by the railings above and adding depth without clutter.
“Colour is a huge part of my design philosophy,” said Katerina. “I think we’re sometimes afraid to use bold or unusual colours outdoors. But you can be playful and still keep it sophisticated.”
Let’s Talk Limestone: Why Lymington Dusk Stood Out
When it came to paving, Katerina knew she didn’t want to go for the standard safe options — the ubiquitous creams and greys that dominate most paving displays.
So when she saw samples of our Lymington Dusk Limestone, it was love at first sight.
“I think what really attracted me was the fact that there were these pinkish, reddish tinges,” she said. “It still has all the beauty of limestone — the fossils, the veining, the natural movement — but with a warmth and softness that’s quite different.”
That’s exactly what we love about it, too.
Lymington Dusk is an Egyptian limestone with a twist. Mined from the same ancient quarries as many of our classic pale stones, it has a unique mineral makeup that gives it a rosy, sun-kissed tone — somewhere between blush, biscuit, and dusky terracotta.
It’s subtle enough to feel timeless, but just distinctive enough to bring character to a space — especially when the light shifts throughout the day. In morning sun, it glows pale and peachy. By golden hour, it warms up to a rich, mellow coral. It’s a stone with real presence.
And yet — not many people know about it.
As Craig said during the interview, “We’ve had this in stock for a couple of years, but it’s one of those niche products people don’t often go for. And I feel like they should — because it’s gorgeous.”
Safe to say we’ve now got another advocate on our side. “If I can be an ambassador for Lymington Dusk,” Katerina laughed, “let’s go for it.”
A Garden That Works with Nature, Not Against It
Beyond the aesthetics, there was also a strong sustainability message woven into this garden — especially when it came to planting.
Katerina selected a drought-tolerant palette of Mediterranean and Australian species, including geraniums, helanthemum, dodonea, and achillea. Many of the plants were chosen not just for their ability to thrive with minimal water, but for their resilience in hot, dry conditions.
“There are times when I don’t get a chance to water my own plants,” Katerina admitted, “and yet some of these have just carried on doing their thing.”
Even the more delicate edibles, like basil, were cleverly supported by water-wise techniques — like placing pots in saucers to harvest rainwater, using hessian fabric as mulch, and positioning plants to benefit from passive shade throughout the day.
Hard landscaping plays a role here too. Limestone paving, particularly in paler shades like Lymington Dusk, reflects heat and light rather than absorbing it — helping to keep outdoor spaces cooler in the height of summer. It’s a small touch, but one that can make a big difference over time.
Balcony or Back Garden: Why Lymington Dusk Works in Real Life
While the garden at Hampton Court was designed to fit into a small, city-sized balcony, the design principles behind it are incredibly versatile — and Lymington Dusk Limestone is just as at home in a larger garden or terrace.
Its soft, varied tones pair beautifully with clay pavers, porcelain edging, and rendered or painted walls — making it ideal for mixed-material schemes. And the natural texture underfoot adds that all-important tactile quality you want in a space you use barefoot on summer evenings.
We think it would look stunning in:
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Contemporary courtyard gardens
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Mediterranean-themed terraces
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Outdoor kitchens or dining areas
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Urban front gardens or entryways
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South-facing patios that get plenty of sun
And because limestone is inherently durable and weather resistant, it works just as well for driveway aprons and heavily used walkways, provided it’s laid and sealed correctly.
So if you’re bored of beige and over grey — Lymington Dusk might just be the paving you didn’t know you were looking for.
A Celebration of Collaboration (and a Little Bit of Risk)
One of the things we loved most about this project was that it felt like a true collaboration. A garden designer with a clear creative vision. A supplier with something a little different to offer. And a shared belief in natural materials, timeless style, and thoughtful design.
“Sometimes we all play it a bit safe,” Katerina reflected. “But when you take a little risk — just a little one — that’s when things get really interesting.”
We couldn’t agree more.
So whether you’re planning a garden redesign, dreaming of a Mediterranean courtyard, or just browsing for inspiration, we hope this project shows what’s possible when you step outside the usual palette — and give colour, texture, and a bit of dusk-toned drama their moment.
Watch the Video
Want to hear more from Katerina and see the garden in action?
[Watch the full interview and garden tour here →]
Explore Lymington Dusk Limestone
Looking for something a little different for your outdoor space?
[Click here to view Lymington Dusk Limestone paving →]
Thanks again to Katerina for bringing our limestone to life in such a beautiful way — and to the RHS team for another unforgettable show. We’ll be reminiscing about this one for a while.
Until next time,
The Forest Stone Team
