How to Decorate an Asphalt Driveway

Decorating an asphalt driveway can be particularly fun because the darker color of asphalt (as opposed to concrete) makes plantings, driveway entrance pillars and even embedded decorations really pop. Instead of following the traditional decorating tips for concrete driveways, go in a new direction if you have an asphalt driveway and experiment with unusual color combinations and even interesting planters and lighting.

Things You'll Need

• Flowering plants
• Striped liriope
• Terra cotta planters (at least 3 feet high)
• Additional accents you like (large shells, garden decorations)
• Flat colored glass marbles

Instructions

1. Line the edge of the asphalt driveway with the colored glass marbles. If you are not laying the driveway, then you will not have this option. However, the colored glass, when embedded in the asphalt so that the surfaces are flush, makes a bright and interesting border for your driveway if you have this option.

2. Plant striped liriope along the edges of the driveway. Liriope is hardy and does not need much watering or other care. In addition, the striped variety will really stand out against the dark surface of the driveway.

3. Add some colored flowers to your border. Liriope will stay green all year round, but adding some bright flowers like pansies or lilies will really make your driveway area pop when spring rolls around. Stick with hardy plants that do not need much attention, and bulb plants are best because that way you will not lose them permanently if a careless guest drives over them.

4. Place terra cotta planters at either end of your driveway. If you like, you can use them as entrance markers, but other people like having them close to the house for handy watering. You can place any type of seasonal plant in these planters for an immediate change to your driveway decor. Terra cotta stands out against asphalt better than it does against concrete, so you will once again be emphasizing the beauty of your drive.

References

• Things to Consider When Landscaping Your Driveway.