First impressions matter, as do last impressions. Your driveway is the first and last part of your property and home that visitors will see, so it’s worth putting in the effort to make it inviting and attractive. Here are some ideas for what you can do to dress up your driveway.
Sweep it, Scrub it, Weed it, Blast it…
First and foremost, take the time to wash your driveway as this will make a big difference to its appearance. Sweep it, scrub it, weed it, blast it with a pressure washer – whatever you think it needs.
Introducing Colour
Next, think about how you can introduce colour, which will bring life and energy to your driveway. Flowers, plants and trees are perhaps the best option for this. Consider planting beds of flowers all along your drive. Tulips or daffodils would be perfect for this as they are resilient, colourful flowers that will come back year after year. You could also plant a few saplings along your driveway and see it turn into a leafy avenue of colours that change with the seasons. Alternatively, potted plants and flowers can be grouped together on your driveway for little islands of colour and foliage that can be easily changed and re-assembled at different times of year. Two nicely trimmed, potted bay leaf trees on either side of your front door could be a nice final touch as they lend the entrance to your home a subtle dignity that won’t go unnoticed.
Lighting Up Your Driveway
Consider investing in some outdoor lighting – it’s not just for Christmas! Lighting will banish the darkness from around your house in the evenings, as well as giving your driveway a warm, inviting look. Many garden centres and hardware shops will sell outdoor lighting. There are a lot of options, from simple lights set at intervals along your driveway to spotlights that shine on your home’s façade to more decorative options such as faux Japanese lanterns.
Paint and Stencils
Cement driveways can be dressed up with paint and stencils. Stencils can be bought or made at home. If you don’t feel inspired by what’s on offer in your local shops, have a look on the internet for interesting patterns and designs and try making your own stencil. Chalk is another option, but as we all remember from childhood games of hopscotch, it won’t last long, especially in rainy climates. However it is a good option for special occasions such as birthdays or Valentine’s Day.
There’s no limit to what you can do to dress up your driveway. If you want something more audacious, go crazy with garden ornaments and seasonal statuettes! It’s your driveway, so feel free to dress it up to suit your lifestyle and personality.
This article was written by gardener Cal Cooney on behalf of a lead provider of driveway paving, Dublin.