Driveway Landscaping Ideas

Your driveway takes up a large portion of the front yard, it should look beautiful. These driveway landscaping ideas will start you on the right foot. From the curb to your home, the right details form a beautiful welcome.

Curbside Views

Driveway landscaping ideas start right at the curb. Want to make it fantastic? Take a step back. How does the drive meet the street? There may be the possibility for a gated entry or wall entry there.

A gated entry is more than security, it's the introduction to your home. Make sure it's beautiful. The style should reflect the quality and style of your home. You should consider lighting, also.

A wall entry is much like a gated entry. It flanks the entry of your home making guests and family feel welcome. Planting around the wall enhances the mood.

Focal Points

Focal points from the driveway need to be bold. If you have a large drive, you might consider large statuary or a fountain.

Large containers filled with flowers cheer up your front door area. If they're big enough, your guests will easily see them as they drive up.

Curving Driveways

Large landscapes can utilize turn-around driveways. Convenient for your guests, the gentle curves are charming. If your drive is wide enough, your large parties will always have enough parking, too.

Large curving driveways are an opportunity to delight your friends. Plantings hide the home until the dramatic reveal at the top of the drive.

Small landscapes need attention to detail. You don't want your driveway to dominate the garden space, yet it should be useful. Make sure the entry curves are easy to navigate.

Small gardens with larger driveways might be able to create a courtyard feel in the front. With the right layout and a brick paver driveway, you'll be well on your way to a beautiful entry space.

Lighting

Lighting the drive for your guests is so important. A well lit entry or address sign welcomes family and friends to parties and ensures safety.

Columns at the end of the drive are another way to add lighting. I love a lighted address sign -- especially if your drive is long. Stone or metal last through our harsh weather extremes. Make sure you can see it while seated in a moving vehicle. Make it big and make sure it's raised up.

Paving

Paving your driveway? You've got three basic options. Concrete, asphalt, and pavers. There are endless possibilities within these basics, though.

Concrete in our northern climates is still the driveway of choice. The design options consider color and stamping.

Color in your concrete doesn't have to be bold (and probably shouldn't be). Just a tint can match your home and look beautiful.

Stamped concrete has been around for quite a few years and the options are almost endless. Ensure that you have a quality installer to get the best results.

Paver driveways are a popular alternative for Minnesota landscaping. Rarely does an individual paver crack -- even in our weather. With an experienced installer, there are many possibilities.

Plants

Finally, alleés are always popular for driveways. A row of Maple trees on either side (or Birch or Linden), is charming every time.

All of your driveway landscaping ideas should work together to create a warm welcome to your home. If you want to ensure a beautiful outcome, you might consider hiring a designer. Quality results for your investment start here.

Written by: Heidi Schreiner / Get Creative, LLC

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