How to revamp area beside driveway?

tinkerscape

  

We are wanting to revamp this area beside our driveway. Quite slanted/steep and the strip expands approx. 1700mm up top to approx. 2000mm at the lower end. Notes:
1. At the moment this is the most convenient spot for the bins. Should we use a base or keep them plopped on chosen ground?
2. Grew up with these palms, not a fan and would love to get them out. Tips welcome (please).

3. I’m thinking rocks/gravel/pebbles instead of grass/mulch with a few bushes such as native rosemary or lavender to keep it simple. What medium do you recommend (to use or avoid) for a steep area.
4. Top end leads to colourbond side access gate. Thinking some stepping stones up top so don’t have to walk directly on proposed said rocks/pebbles.

5. Ignore the driveway, we have a lot to do :’)

context:
We recently purchased our first home which means many projects ahead. We plan on doing as much landscaping ourselves and are excited to deep dive and learn on the go!

EricL

Hello @tinkerscape 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about revamping the side of your driveway.

I propose building a concrete base for the bins for easy rolling from side fence to front yard. To reduce the plastic bins visual impact, I suggest building a bin storage shed to hide them. If you are keen on pebbles, I recommend surrounding the area with a 100 x 16mm 4.8m Edging H4 Treated Pine Wet. This will prevent the pebbles or mulch from rolling onto the driveway. I am not a big fan of palms; It seems to me that I am forever throwing away the dried palms that keep falling onto the ground.

However, the palms do provide cover and extra privacy that your Colorbond fence would not be able to do. Your last suggestion of using stepping stones is a great idea, plus, it provides a safe way of getting towards the side gate of your fence. In regards to the plants such as the rosemary and lavender, I recommend thinking about building a small, raised garden to isolate them from the pebbles.   

Here are some handy links that will help you with your revamp:

• How to pour a concrete slab by @tom_builds 
   
• Bin cover
   
• Bin storage shed by @annettespanski 
   
• Bin storage box by @ponting72 
   
• Travertine pavers and gravel garden path by @TaylerMayd 
   
• How to build a raised garden bed by @Adam_W 
   
• Merbau raised garden bed by @diy_hausdesigns

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric