Ideas for Natural Driveways

Use Native Plants

• Nothing is more natural than planting native flowers, shrubs and trees along your driveway. Native plants are adapted to your local growing conditions and usually do well without pampering. Local species also provide food and shelter for native animals and insects. Try planting nectar-rich flowers for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Nut bearing trees will benefit squirrels, chipmunks and deer. Berry bushes provide food and shelter for animals and insects.

Prairie Garden Driveway

• Plant a low-maintenance prairie garden along the driveway. Prairie flowers have a laid back charm that works well with country homes and landscaping. Instead of lining the flowers up in rows, try planting in large groups and connecting them with split-rail fencing. Plants to try include queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra), wheat, wild mustard, silver buffalo berry (Shepherdia argentea), squawbush sumac (Rhus trilobata), arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum), cottonwood (Populus freemontii), sassafras (Sassafras albidum) and Eastern redbud (Cercus canadensis).

Driveway Creek Garden

• If you have access to electricity, install a creek alongside your driveway. If electricity is a problem, try using a solar pump. You can use pond liners or construct a concrete foundation. If you make it deep enough, stock the creek with native darter species. Darters are tiny perch that "walk" along the bottom of the creek using their fins as makeshift feet. Use sand and small pebbles as substrate for darters and other bottom-dwelling fish. Until insects establish themselves in the water, feed your darters with mosquito larvae and other tiny live foods. Other creek fish include flag-fin shiners, brook trout, mosquito fish and madtoms. Depending on the species kept and your area, you may be required to have a permit to stock native fish.

Build a Decorative Wall

• Install a short wall using native stone for a natural look. Leave pockets open for planting herbs, annuals and perennials. A low, planted wall adds substance to the landscape without seeming overwhelming. Walls also prevent people from walking or driving in areas that are off limits.

Install Raised Gardens

• Line your driveway with raised gardens. This not only protects plants from traffic, but also it adds aesthetic value to the property. Make raised gardens out of new lumber, old tires, weathered barn wood, broken truck trailers, wheelbarrows, or anything you like. For something understated and natural, use distressed wood or logs and stumps to build the beds. Allow plants to spill over the edge to soften the look.