Converting a large driveway back to a garden

07/09/2017 ALDA in Action

Over the last few weeks, the ALDA Landscaping team have been busy transforming a driveway in Hamstead Marshall.

Fed up with vehicles taking advantage of their generous driveway as a turning point, our client’s brief was to install a narrower shingle driveway up to the main gates (as there is plenty of parking nearer the property). And to use the ample space left over to create a new design where some of the existing driveway used to be. This included the construction of two large planting beds, new pathways and brick steps, and the installation of a stunning circular paving area close to the house.

Before…

The before photos reveal just how large our client’s shingle driveway had been and how this space needed more definition and purpose in its design. Old brick steps which led up to the front of the house were in need of replacing and pathways needed to be re-shaped. The view from our client’s kitchen window consisted of overgrown plants which had become difficult to maintain. Our brief here was to construct an interesting paving design to look out on to from inside the kitchen as well as providing better access to the front door.

The old driveway which provided an ideal spot for vehicles to use as a turning point

In this photo you can see the old brick steps and pathway leading up to the front door.

Another before photo revealing the size of the old driveway, this time taken looking towards the house.

The area outside the kitchen window has been cleared and we are setting out in preparation to lay the new paving.

After…

The new narrow shingle driveway leading up to our client’s gates.

The terraced planting beds add definition to the layout of the garden and the post and rail fence can be seen running alongside the sleeper bed wall.

The view down from the house onto the planting beds and the smart new brick steps and shingle pathway.

The stunning new paving area constructed from Sandstone cobbles outside the kitchen window.

The after photos reveal the dramatic changes that have taken place to the driveway. This area is now defined by two new large planting beds built into the sloping bank sitting one above the other. This was also in our client’s brief, as terraced beds will make for more relaxed gardening when it comes to planting and maintenance. The higher bed is bordered by a low level brick wall curved in its design, whilst the lower bed which is closer to the road is made from attractive softwood sleepers.

The new brick steps stand out as a feature and tie in with the brick wall of the planting bed. They replace the existing ones which were starting to crumble away. We also installed a post and rail fence along the side of the sleeper planting bed, where hedging will be planted in the Autumn. The hedging will grow through the fence over time making a tidy line.

A herringbone cobbled paving area was laid in front of the kitchen window, inside which a circular pattern sits, constructed from tumbled Sandstone cobbles. This patio compliments the age of the client’s house and puts the finishing touch to the new design of the garden.

Like what you see?

From planning a new border to a complete garden remodel, we pride ourselves on transforming ideas into beautiful reality, with minimum disruption. If you’re based in or around the Reading and Newbury area, we’d love to meet and discuss your project in detail – book your free no-obligation garden consultation today. We do get pretty booked up, particularly during the Spring, so plan ahead if possible!