A Terrace by the Driveway

In this episode we transform a bare corner at the end of a driveway into an inviting garden retreat. The homeowners like to gather here with their neighbors while the children play nearby, but they often feel like they're in a fishbowl, and they want a more sophisticated area.

Landscape designer Albert Hernandez proposes screening that will give the homeowners an attractive place to visit with other parents while keeping an eye on the children. The plan calls for creating a garden beside the driveway and including a semicircular terrace nestled into a berm filled with perennials. The berm will be held with a low stacked-stone wall and surrounded by evergreen trees and shrubs.

Six deodar cedars (Cedrus deodara) serve as the screen. Other plants include burgundy loropetalum, variegated privet, 'Emerald' arborvitae, Rosa polyantha, Rosa floribunda, variegated iris and assorted perennials.

Before

After

After

The radial shape of the terrace and symmetrical plantings lend a feeling of formality to an area that originally appeared to be part of the neighbor's backyard. The homeowners now have the screening they were looking for and a beautiful place to congregate.

Hernandez offers a final design tip — he suggests using patio furniture that can double as storage units. The end tables on the new terrace can be used for holding toys.

Plant list:

deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara)
burgundy lorapetalum 'Pizzazz'
variegated privet
'Davidii' viburnum
'Emerald' arborvitae
Rosa polyantha 'Knockout'
Rosa floribunda 'Baby Love'
Japanese variegated iris
creeping phlox
candytuft
verbena
Setcreasea 'Purple Heart'
liriope