I would look into a honeycomb base for the parking area to retain gravel. Planning often don't allow gravel in front driveways as loose stones can be a nuisance. At the same time councils are trying to dissuade people from putting a hard surface down that doesn't allow the water to soak away. A casual, no names given, enquiry at your council may enlighten you! I'd render and paint the walls around the parking area and encourage plants to cascade over the walls to soften them. If you have room you can maybe put a few pot plants around but may not be advised if you live in an area where people help themselves! At least with pots you can change/move them around with the seasons. The lawn area I would personally get rid of. If you're keen on gardening you could plant up with a variety of plants. Is it a sunny area? Could it be used as a herb garden, although best near the kitchen, as long as it is a sunny spot? But you might want to consider if the local dog and cat neighbourhood would use it as a toilet! If they might, gravel covering might not be a good idea. Having said that I created a herb garden at the front of a previous home but the cats didn't use the gravel as a litter tray. Grasses are good but there are also plenty of low 'prostrate' type plants that make good ground cover so will reduce the need for weeding. I have a similar size front garden and I'm going to look into getting a small specimen tree. Something that won't block out the light but is a decent size (10ft?) but something that has a nice shape so I can adorn it with lights at Christmas. If it has nice blossom and/or beautiful fruits (edible or not) then that would be a bonus. I will get rid of my grasses and under plant with something suitable. Good luck.

This is a decor advice forum for amateurs. For garden designers/landscapers go to the PRO (professional) page and see if there is anyone in your area who can help.

Hi everyone. I am looking for recommendations on/imagery on what changing the front window colour to either a soft white or light beige/grey might look like (not a fan of black) as well as landscaping the left hand side of the drive to include a front hedge and tree in the corner, and also a climber grouwing against the front right hand side of the brick area on the house. Kind regards

Good afternoon Kam, You are right - Having your garden layout, materials and planting carefully thought of is a great investment to ensure that you get the most out of the space that you have (and of the money that you are going to invest in refurbishing/replanting it!). I am a garden designer and would love to help you with my online based garden design service, during which I take your feedback on my initial Outline design and its 3D visuals to ensure that the final plans are the blueprint to a garden that not only look beautiful year around and is future proof, but that is also meaningful and useful to you! Please have a look at my website for portfolio and details and get in touch for a quote! Many thanks, Deborah www.deborahbiasoligardendesign.co.uk deborahbiasoli@gmail.com