Driveway and entrance ideas

A driveway is the largest hard surface most properties have, and the one most likely to be done badly.

AI-generated concept image

Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Upkeep: Low
Colour: Neutral
Planting survives: −20 °C / −4 °F

Getting it right

Deal with the water first. Many countries now require a new driveway to be permeable or to drain to a soakaway rather than onto the road, and retrofitting that is expensive. Keep the parked car off the approach to the front door so arriving on foot still feels like arriving. Break the expanse with a band of setts or a planted strip every few metres. And plant only tough, low things along the edges, because car doors, road salt and reversing wheels will find anything precious.

Plants that work

Botanical names are given first so you can order the right plant anywhere. Heights are for mature plants in open ground.
Plant	Type	Light	Water	Height	Hardy to
HornbeamCarpinus betulus	Tree · Deciduous	Partial shade	Moderate	1.5–15 m	−30 °C / −22 °F
Common boxBuxus sempervirens	Shrub · Evergreen	Partial shade	Moderate	0.3–3 m	−20 °C / −4 °F
English lavenderLavandula angustifolia	Shrub · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	40–70 cm	−20 °C / −4 °F
Creeping thymeThymus serpyllum	Groundcover · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	5–10 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F
Blue fescueFestuca glauca	Grass · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	20–30 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F
Bearberry cotoneasterCotoneaster dammeri	Groundcover · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	20–30 cm	−25 °C / −13 °F
Box-leaved honeysuckleLonicera pileata	Shrub · Evergreen	Partial shade	Low	50–80 cm	−20 °C / −4 °F
Bigroot geraniumGeranium macrorrhizum	Groundcover · Semi-evergreen	Partial shade	Low	30–40 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F
Panicle hydrangeaHydrangea paniculata	Shrub · Deciduous	Full sun	Moderate	1.5–2.5 m	−30 °C / −22 °F
Japanese hollyIlex crenata	Shrub · Evergreen	Partial shade	Moderate	0.6–2.5 m	−20 °C / −4 °F
White stonecropSedum album	Succulent · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	5–15 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F
Crab appleMalus 'Evereste'	Tree · Deciduous	Full sun	Moderate	3–5 m	−30 °C / −22 °F