Help critique front driveway plans
Kate Lewis2
Posts: 5
Hello
We are planning to redo our front drive.
Not great pics but it's basically a squareish plot of gravel with shrubs (and weeds) plus old evergreen to front and side and grey large shingle on the driveway. Not very inspiring!
It's loamy/clay area. The front gets sun most of the day but the bits nearer the house tend to get shady after 11 as the house creates a shadow.
We thought we would do this:-
Wooden log storage by window that is further back
Window box around front window - not sure what flowers?
Climbing rose by front door (unsure what type)
Couple pots with plants - unsure what type
Pave 0.75m square far right for bin storage next to front window
Pull up all plants/weeds and replace with beech hedge at front
Pull up plants/weeds to side and replace with smaller shrubs and flowers - unsure yet what type
Remove evergreen and replace with crab apple tree
Replace door with 1930s reproduction door
Possibly change gravel to paving though this is lower priority as we think with all the above done it will look much better.
Any thoughts?
Any ideas on good shrubs and flowers? I'm a bit of a romantic. I like climbers, lavender, hydrangeas, tulips, rambling roses but also need to be careful as I am very time limited so it needs to be something that needs minimal attention too.
I'm pouring over the rhs plants and flowers bible - there is just too much - it's very hard!
Also is the above doable by us or would we need to get someone in? We are a young baby but are very able and willing 
Posts
Kate, I think all your ideas are lovely; except replacing the gravel with paving. Apparently, because water can't drain away so well it is a contributary factor in localised flooding.
About the flowers, what colours are you looking for?
I have the Rose Compassion over my porch; will try to post a photo later - it is spectacular and depending where you are in the uk, can keep flowering up to December.
I cant see why this isnt possible to do yourself, although, removing trees is a heck of a job, its always harder than you think!
Most of the plants you have mentioned are low maintainence, really all you need to do is pick what sort of colours you like
The easiest option to start with is to put lots of lavender in, it needs very little care and will give you something to look at while you decide what rose etc you want, i made the mistake of getting everything i liked and now have a massive jungle that i cant do anything with
Hope it goes well, please let us know what you decide on
yes good idea re bins and also gravel - less work too!
Colours...hmm well i was thinking white and yellow but now not sure...maybe white and pink..
Hi Kate, You could consider replacing the gravel with slate chippings - available in grey, blue, green and plum shades if you like any of those. It's a bit more human-friendly for walking on than gravel or pebbles and doesn't get kicked around by cars driving/parking on it as much.