How to Landscape a Driveway Entrance

While some homeowners still choose giant, wrought-iron gates and huge statues of lions to mark the entrance of their driveways, the secret to an aesthetically pleasing driveway is to create one that is open and inviting to your visitors. Attractive, yet durable, landscaping touches are key to creating the perfect driveway entrance for your home.

Instructions

1. Decide whether you are going to use any type of wall or fencing when you landscape the entrance to your driveway. The use of "hardscape," which involves any type of construction material, will dictate the "softscape" or the use of trees, shrubs and flowers. Your approach to landscaping will depend upon whether you want to create a grand, impressive driveway entrance or soften the walls and gates with the use of brightly colored plants.

2. Landscape your driveway entrance by drawing your visitors' eyes toward a particular feature or object. For instance, if you plant flowers along the edges of the driveway, your visitors' eyes will be drawn toward the house or the rest of the property. Just make sure that the ultimate focal point is aesthetically rewarding and not a beat-up old garage or storage shed.

3. Pick the right type of landscaping to enhance the lines of the driveway or the property. If your driveway is curved, for example, you may want to plant shrubs that enhance the shape and make it more noticeable. Then again, if your property is nothing but right angles and straight lines, you may want to vary the landscaping to break up the monotony.

4. Choose durable materials and plants when you landscape the entrance to your driveway. Think about the damage that may be caused over the long term due to cars parked along the street, road hazards and conditions, traffic and even vandalism. Avoid placing expensive hardscape and softscape in areas where it could be damaged or abused.

5. Pick hardscape and softscape that suits the style of your home and reflects your tastes, as well. For instance, rose bushes work very well with traditional forms of architecture, such as Tudor and Victorian homes, while a Japanese maple may be a stunning touch for a more modern-looking house. Remember that your driveway entrance is often the first impression you will make on visitors, so choose landscaping that says something about who you are.

Tips & Warnings

• The use of annual flowers and plants is an excellent idea when you landscape your driveway entrance. When you replant every spring, you won't have to be concerned about damage caused by road salt and bad winter weather.