Good driveway garden design
For better or for worse, driveways are an integral part of the landscape. Here are some tips to keep in mind while you design a breathtaking driveway planting.
The driveway is likely the first stop for visitors, so make it a welcome one. Use plants that are rich in color and texture; create a sense of intrigue about the rest of the yard to invite people past your driveway. Since we use our driveways for so many things, the area around it can be harsh for plants. Select plants that can thrive in this situation, like tickseed, artemisia and daylily, that can tolerate the soapy, oily water, automotive chemicals, reflected summer heat, snow piles and de-icing products.
Plantings along the driveway don’t have to be narrow strips; blend them into the rest of the landscape. Making wider planting beds along the driveway also reduces the temptation to cut through, or hop over, the beds on the way to and from the car.
Finally, think about safety when planting near the street. Keep plants low enough so you can see pedestrian and car traffic clearly when you pull out. Most cities have ordinances limiting the height of plants and landscape ornaments, as well as setback distances.
