RHS Wentworth 2025 Shows the Versatility of Clay Paving

October 20, 2025

Clay pavers aren't just for paving. We look at how designer Sam Dryell incorporated Golden Buff into his Silver-Gilt winning garden at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse 2025.

Golden Buff clay pavers add a pastel-coloured warmth to the blue and white frame of the water feature in A Potted History: Echoes of Rockingham, designed by Sam Dryell and built by Topoforma.

A Potted History: Echoes of Rockingham

The first RHS show to be held in Yorkshire took place at Wentworth Woodhouse in July this year. The gorgeous grounds of the Georgian estate provided the perfect backdrop to Sam Dryell's A Potted History: Echoes of Rockingham. In the Young Designer category, the garden was threaded with a sense of history, inspired by the craftsmanship of Rockingham pottery. "My garden’s design inspiration also comes from the lavish 18th-century tea parties that were hosted at Wentworth House and the time-worn elegance of Rockingham porcelain," said Sam, in an interview for sponsors Barista Bar.

The design

Winding paths were a reference to the intricate motifs painted onto pottery by hand, and ceramic sculptures by Adele Howitt made a feature of distinctive plants such as Euphorbia and Astrantia. For seating, the use of large pieces of rock, partially hewn, added to the story of man fashioning objects out of natural materials. One dramatically seamed piece of granite provided secluded seating at the centre, looking on to the water feature.

The garden was given a traditional feel by the use of sculptures and hand-painted pottery.

The traditional feel of Golden Buff clay pavers create a perfect backdrop for this broken terracotta water spout.

Golden Buff Clay Paving

And here Golden Buff clay pavers took a starring role. Stacked within a pale blue frame that created a delicate contrast with the warm buff/brown of the pavers, they made a complementary backdrop to the water spout made from a broken terracotta pipe. The whole was a re-imagining of the grand doorway into the Camellia House, where Lady Rockingham held her tea parties. The Golden Buff clay pavers really supported Sam's whole concept. Their terracotta hues are a reminder of the pottery process, as well as demonstrating the huge versatility of the clay, which can be made into both bricks and teacups.

Clay pavers create the right feel

Built by Topoforma, this wasn't the first time the company has laid clay pavers in an award-winning garden. In 2022 they created a circular path with clay pavers for Alex Pettit's Slow Down, Breathe Deep at RHS Tatton Park. A comparison of the two gardens illustrates how a very different feel is created through laying pattern. Clay pavers give plenty of options. Here, the herringbone pattern with the soldier course chime with the traditional theme of the garden. For Slow Down, Breathe Deep the longitudinally laid pavers added energy to the direction of the path.

The light terracotta tones of Golden Buff make a warm foil for foliage, and here include a neat tile detail, designed by Sam Dryell, installed by Topoforma.

Sam's philosophy

Now working towards completing a Master's degree in 2026, Sam studied architecture and landscape architecture and discovered his love of garden design during his time at Sheffield University. Here the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. He told Barista Bar, "Yorkshire is close to my heart, so this is a deeply personal experience for me to bring my creativity and love for the land around me to RHS's first-ever flower show in the county."

Clay pavers with sanded joints allow water to percolate through into the soil below.

Eco-friendly materials

As well as celebrating his home county, the garden also demonstrated Sam's commitment to using environmentally-friendly materials and methods. Stone was used from a West Yorkshire quarry, which cut down on transport-miles, and clay pavers are notably eco-friendly. They'll last for decades and more, are made of 100% natural materials and can be recycled. Illustrating the point, this garden was relocated to Rotherham Museums, Arts and Heritage, with elements distributed across local urban parks.

Like to know more?

Clay pavers are available in a large range of colours and styles. Their versatility means that they are a popular combination with porcelain paving, and not just with traditional natural stone. Find out more by visiting one of our showrooms around the country, where our helpful staff will be happy to guide you through the comprehensive displays of colours and styles. Alternatively, why not order samples from our website?