Driveways are impersonal paths that mainly serve a functional goal. Yet, it’s the first thing guests see when they drive up to your house. There isn’t much you can do about the physical driveway without a massive revamp, but you also don’t need to be a millionaire to give your house that million-dollar curb appeal.
Have you considered bringing the beauty to the areas around the driveway? Here are some cheap ways to landscape around your driveway for a luxurious look and inviting feeling:
1. Flower Bed Border
Flower beds and landscaping go together like sunflowers and sunlight. It’s one of the cheapest ways to enhance your curb appeal with little maintenance. A flower bed with annuals like petunias and marigolds, or perennials like daylilies and lavender, softens the harsh lines of concrete or asphalt.
It guides the eye naturally toward your home’s entrance without taking away from the beauty of the building. Look for discounted plants at garden centers, source clippings from your nicest neighbors, or start the process right from the beginning by planting seeds. Add mulch around the plants to retain moisture and give the beds a neat look.
2. Shrub or Hedge Lining
You don’t have to fill your yard with shrubs shaped like squirrels or elephants to make a statement. A couple of shrubs or hedges along your driveway adds privacy and creates a natural boundary without breaking the bank. It also buffers sounds coming from roads and provides a safe shelter for birds and little animals.
For budget-friendly options, look into fast-growing shrubs like privet or boxwood. You can buy them small and let them grow over time to save even more. Add a layer of mulch or gravel at the base to control the weeds and make the entire setup easier to maintain.
3. Groundcover
There’s no need to reach for the sky to create a natural transition between the driveway and the rest of your yard. Groundcover may be underrated but it can fill awkward spaces that few other cheap ways to landscape around your driveway can.
Start with plugs or cuttings because it’s cheaper than large plants and let them roam free for a lush green carpet. Some groundcovers are drought-tolerant and can withstand light foot traffic, all while suppressing weeds. Creeping thyme, clover, and sedum are cheaper, but go for creeping phlox if you want something that flowers.
4. Wildflowers
Wildflowers don’t need symmetry to look amazing. Their beauty lies in the colorful, free-flowing look that they can give your driveway. Not only will you save a lot of money if you choose wildflowers, but it won’t take long to transform your dull driveway. It takes one season, zero skill, and almost no effort. Plus, they thrive in plenty of different types of soil with minimal maintenance.
You can choose any mix, but most will deliver continuous blooms from spring through fall. The colors will change as the seasons pass and the wildflowers will reseed themselves. Simply clear the soil along your driveway’s edges, scatter the seeds and rake them in, and water until they sprout. Soon, you’ll have a wildflower meadow buzzing with bees and butterflies.
5. Gravel or Stone Border
Greenery isn’t for everyone. If you prefer a more structured look or your area isn’t suited for plants, a gravel and stone border could be an option. It’s a simple and affordable way to separate your driveway from the rest of your yard with a neat visual edge. It also prevents soil erosion and helps with drainage, which is vital for driveway upkeep.
Gravel is available in plenty of sizes and colors and you can buy it at a number of different stores. Stones or rocks are just as accessible but they’re mostly white, black, or gray. Both options are easy to install. Dig a shallow trench along the driveway, fill it with landscape fabric, and top it with gravel or stones. The landscape fabric will prevent weeds and the stones won’t need replacing often.
6. Rocks and Succulents
For the same rocky look, but with a touch of greenery, combine them with succulents. It’s a trendy way to create an expensive-looking landscape with very little spending. Succulents thrive in hot and dry conditions, so you can go ahead and choose this as an option if your driveway receives full sun.
They’re also available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so you can play around with different looks to personalize the space. Start small by grouping a few succulents in pots among the edge of your driveway and surround them with rocks.
You can also go bigger by planting the succulents directly into the soil with a rock mulch. To keep your costs extra low, propagate succulents from cuttings instead of buying the whole lot at once.
7. Lighting Accents
Lighting doesn’t have to be expensive to transform your curb appeal. It also doesn’t have to keep incurring costs and raising your electrical bill. Solar-powered pathway lights are one of the most affordable options, while mason jar lanterns or string lights on posts add a rustic charm.
There are so many options that the most difficult part of the installation is to choose your favorite. In fact, it’s as easy as pushing them into the ground or mounting them onto a hook and letting the sun do the work.
Solar lights are mainly available for cheaper if you buy them in bulk packs, which makes this an even more pocket-friendly option.
8. Recycled Pallet Planters
If you’re looking for cheap ways to landscape around your driveway, always consider the options that start with “recycled” because it often means dirt cheap. Wooden pallets are often free or very, very cheap at local businesses that have no use for them anymore.
With a little creativity, you can turn someone’s trash into your driveway’s treasure. It’s an eco-friendly win! Make your own pallet planters by building boxes or set them upright along the driveway and fill the slats with soil and plants. They’re easy to rearrange and move around, and you can paint them to match the color of your house.
9. Tire Planters
Old tires are just as easy to source as wooden pallets. You may even have a couple lying around, ready to go to waste, or someone may be willing to give you theirs for free. Tire planters are perfect if you love repurposing everyday items and they put the “drive” in “driveway” by sticking to the theme.
Clean and paint the old tires to add personality or leave them black for a more subtle look. Stack them to create raised beds or place them individually along the edges of your driveway. They’re the most durable and weather-resistant planters you could ask for.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.