stupid question here

[TLV]

but we are trying to tidy up our garden and we can't afford new paving slabs and the patio area is looking quite run down and dirty, can you get paint for it?? tia

also those of you who grow your own herbs etc how do you stop cats/pests from getting to them (apart from putting on windowsill which I don't really want to do)

Could you get hold of a pressure washer? - that'll bring the slabs back to new looking.

What are you growning the herbs in?

meant growing!

tried the pressure washer and it didn't really make that much difference, hadn't decided what to grow the herbs in yet tho i am thinking it might have to be the windowsill

Put some edging around the patio and cover it with gravel?

have just read this....
Things You Need To Know About Cement Paint
Cement paint is not the same as cement stain. Stain is translucent and you cannot effectively put one color over another. Cement paint is opaque (although the degree of opacity may vary by manufacturer). High contrast colors may take more than one coat for complete coverage. Most cement paint is not recommended for garage floors.

You can get a cement paint at most hardware stores. If you live in an area where the patio will receive a lot of sun, be sure to get cement paint that offers UV color protection. Not all do and if you put in this much work, you don't want your colors to fade. Any color can be custom mixed, just like with house paint. By using a paint instead of a stain, you can add highlights and shadows and do things like very realistic bricks.

Do not paint cement that is, or has been, in direct sun or is hot to the touch. The paint will not adhere properly.

Some cement paints can be slippery when wet. Special sand additives are available where you buy your cement paint. If you use them, be sure to keep the sand well mixed in the paint so that it goes on evenly.

Cement paint does not require a sealer, it's built in. Using a sealer will only make it slippery.

Unlike wall paint, cement paint should be allowed to cure for at least 24 hours between coats. Allow at least 3-5 days after completing your project before walking on it.