Landscaping Ideas Between a Fence and a Driveway

Flowering Plants

• Use flowering plants to create a colorful look in the area between a driveway and a fence. Annual flowering plants, such as marigolds, petunias and impatiens, typically complete their lifecycle in one year. Perennial flowering plants, like garden mums, daylilies and peonies, will grow for three or more years. Make a large flowerbed using potting soil and mulch in between the driveway and fence. Plant a variety of flowering plants to give the area a variety of color.

Rock Garden

• A rock garden can bring a natural, rugged look to the area. If you have a steep hillside or other difficult growing conditions between the fence and driveway, consider putting in a rock garden. A variety of landscaping rocks are available at home improvement and garden supply stores. Colored rocks, such as granite, slate and marble, will add color to the area. For a southwestern rock garden, add natural-looking rocks in a variety of sizes with cactus plants, wagon wheels, a small windmill and horned skulls.

Shrubs

• Plant shrubs in between a driveway and a fence according to the amount of space you have to work with. For a small area, plant shrubs, like glossy abelia, red Japanese barberry and littleleaf boxwood. These small shrubs will grow no taller than 4 feet and they grow at a slow rate. For larger faster growing shrubs, consider planting shrubs, such as American boxwood, Japanese holly and inkberry. Use the shrubs to create a border along the fence line or driveway. Another idea is to plant a few flowering plants in front of the shrubs to add color.

Trees

• If you have a small area between the driveway and fence, it is best to plant small trees. Larger trees have long, large roots that can break and crack driveways. Some small common tree types include holly trees, dogwood trees, redbud trees and crape myrtles. Most of these trees will not reach a height greater than 20 feet. If you have a large area to work with, consider planting large trees in between the fence and driveway. Some large tree ideas are sycamore, red oak, American elm and red maple. These trees can reach heights of up to 80 feet.