What is the most common form of stone or brick that is used in an English country garden? Barbara Welling, Washington, USA

I live in Spokane, Washington. I have a cement slab patio outside my back door. I want to begin to create an English Country garden look by changing the cement to a traditional English patio. What is the most common form of stone or brick that is used in an English country garden. Could I place this material directly over the cement, or would I need to remove the cement first. Thank you.
Forum (Hugh):
Dear Barbara, The height level of your DPC – Damp Proof Course will determine if you need to remove the existing slab, the DPC must be a minimum of 2 courses above finished level. There are no common forms of brick or stone in the UK, all traditionally vary from County to County depending on the local stone or brick the house is built out of. Therefore match to the material on your own Spokane house rather than introduce something strange from the UK. Although Old English Bricks are traditional, and might be substituted for Old American bricks. The point to watch with brick is in freezing winter conditions if the brick has absorbed ground water it will ‘blow’ shatter due to the water expanding in the brick when freezing. Hope this helps Hugh