On the recent SMCDS house tour I was inspired to rethink my zero curb appeal driveway.  The grandness of swooping gravel and seashell driveways at Starboard House, Gravel Court and Gray Craig are enough to get anyone thinking about how to improve a long asphalt driveway!  At first I was researching seashell driveways – the sound of seashells underfoot instantly whisks me away to thoughts of summer parties and exotic beaches – but what I found more practical and colorful are Ribbon Driveways.

As I was searching for pictures of this oldie, but goodie landscaping trick I discovered that before driveways were paved – like mine – Ribbon Driveways were used to eliminate cars from spinning in the dirt by adding concrete under the path of the wheels and leaving the grass down the center.

Not only is this type of driveway useful to motorists, it is kinder to the environment.  The grass catches all motor oil and other car engine drippings – not a car expert – and minimizes the run off of these toxins into the sewers when it rains.  Additionally, a Ribbon Driveway is less costly to install than an all asphalt driveway and prettier.  In the Fullerton, California Preservation Guidelines, “Ribbon driveways are encouraged to break up the expanse of paving and to provide increased landscaping.”  If a historical zoning document is encouraging Ribbon Driveways, then we should pause and consider the value of this technique.

Most homes with a Ribbon Driveway are in more temperate climates like Palm Beach or Los Angeles, but not to worry if you live in an area with snow and are worried about plowing your green away.  New technology – plastic honeycomb-like base under the grass – is available to homeowners that would like this look for more than a summer season.  And, you might agree, more green that can be designed into your landscape is a bonus.

Ribbon Driveways have evolved into a design statement that I will consider if I take the plunge to eliminate a boring asphalt driveway.  Enjoy!

Image Sources:  16 L Street, Apartment Therapy, , SWGreens, Houzz, Houzz, Houzz

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