By Jim McCausland, Sunset Magazine

Well-done pavements can make good gardens great. They help organize the landscape, keep you out of the mud in wet weather, mark entries and sitting areas, and offer a subtly powerful counterpoint to the lush plants that border them. These principles all come together perfectly in Kimberly Johnson's garden in Auburn, Washington. (You'll see more of the garden itself in an upcoming blog.)

Each of the garden's mosaics were made by Kimberly's husband Darren Thomas, who does this for a living. For the most part, he used either Mexican river rock or stone left over after he completed commercial jobs. In some of the garden's mosaics (as at left), he used the stone to create engaging, flower-inspired patterns; in others, he made elaborate full-on floral designs (as in the top and bottom photographs) that you might expect to see in quiltwork. In all cases, his detailing is meticulous.

For more information, you can reach Thomas through Johnson at 206 335-4427. For more ideas on patios, check out http://www.sunset.com/garden/circular-patios-00400000038448/