Ribbon Driveways

Whenever I see a driveway with a strip of grass growing down the middle of it I get a warm nostalgic feeling.   My grandparents had this before they ulimately ended up paving theirs.

source: apartment therapy

While these are not unique to New England, there was a time when many NE driveways looked like this (perhaps not so perfectly manicured).  There is an actual name for these, they are referred to as Ribbon Driveways.   Before the days of paving, people would pull their cars into their driveways and the tires would cause ruts on the grass leaving only the patch in the middle.  Once paving began (originally with concrete), the ruts were filled and the grass was left to grow.

For some homeowners, these have made a comeback due to their 'green benefit'.  First of all, there is less use of whatever material is used to pave which allows more growth of nature.  Second and perhaps more important, there is far less sewer run off.  There is actually a company right in my home state of New Hampshire called PermaTurf  that has created an interlocking system that helps the grass take root and withstand heavy loads.  The system is made from 100% recycled plastic.  Many people who are intentionally designing driveways like this are using this or similar systems to assist in the overall maintainance for the strip of grass.

All I know is I love the aesthetic of a grass and paved driveway....gives the illusion of history.



          





                   



                                












Here a few beautiful variations.........

This one just makes my brain hurt.  How on earth is this functional I ask you?

   

        

My favorite!

Now go get your big girl/boy DIY boots on and go tear up your driveway!  Just don't tell the Mr. or Mrs. that I told you to.


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