When opting for practicality over-pruning for your front garden, a healthy mix of features and functionality can help keep it feeling a touch more garden than a driveway. There are certainly more options than a few potted plants down either side if you manage the space well.
Measuring up and checking your wiggle room for extravagance should be the first port of call. For a vehicle, you’ll need around ten-foot width if you want to get comfortably in and out. If you’re using a landscaper for design, work with them to establish what sort of room you’ll have left over and then plot it out with some passion.
As much as neatly trimmed hedges can obscure the view into your windows and reduce noise if you’re going to be too busy to maintain it, will that look be preserved? Smaller plants and shrubberies will be easier to maintain and can add a bit of contrasting colour. Many plants don’t need much room or maintenance, so dotting a few flower beds around the driveway will definitely brighten things up. A perfectly positioned bench or some decking with furniture can complete your courtyard contentment.
If you can squeeze a garden and a drive in the front, it’s always nice to have another option on a sunny day. A lawn down the side of the driveway will help with the run-off of rainwater from the drive. Covering your bins up somewhere out of the sun will help you to enjoy the space away from nasty odours and unsightly grey council rubbish receptacles.
If you, like us, seem to be working all the time, mowing a lawn may be something you’re not too keen on. Considering artificial grass may be the way to go. Over the last ten years artificial grass has become increasingly popular and increasingly convincing. The difference a little bit of green can make to a garden, real or fake makes it all a lot easier on the eyes.
Creating a more convenient space out the front of your house doesn’t always mean the end of your garden. Whether you take on a complete makeover or plan and complete it over time, there is usually a way to compromise some comfort. With flower beds, lawn space and an area reserved for relaxing your and your car can occupy the same space harmoniously.