Landscaping a Backyard with Rear Garage and Driveway

by Howie Avery
(Knoxville, TN)

I am considering buying a house with a garage in the rear of the home. It is in an old established neighborhood where homes were built between 1925 and 1940. I love everything about the house but not thrilled about the idea of a driveway in the back, though the yard extends much further back.

Are there good ways to still have a park like atmosphere in the back? It is almost a deal breaker for me to have the rear driveway, but my wife loves the home.

ANSWER
I hate to see you give up a house because of a driveway location. I have some questions for you so that I may help.

Is this a home where there is a detached garage to the rear of the house, or is there just a lot of paving in the rear? If it's a detached garage with the driveway leading to it, is the driveway up against the house or is there space for plantings between the driveway and the residence?

I'll look forward to your answers so that I have a better picture of the layout.

Susan