FRONT YARD PARKING PAD
Convenience & Style | Sloped Front Yard Landscaping
BEFORE
The Client’s Vision
Our client approached us for help securing a legal front yard parking pad. With the closest street permit parking blocks away, they needed a more convenient solution. The recent removal of a dying city tree presented an opportunity to create a parking pad, and they wanted to take advantage of it. The goal was to design a sleek, functional parking area that complemented the home while making the most of the sloped yard.
Sloped Front Yard Landscaping
This project posed several unique challenges. Obtaining the parking pad permit was the first hurdle, requiring careful coordination with the city. Street access was another obstacle—there was no nearby parking for staging materials, so everything had to be transported from a side street, block by block. During excavation, we also needed to address an existing water line beneath the construction zone, which involved building a frost box to prevent freezing in the winter and lowering the city water shut-off valve for accessibility.
How We Helped
We guided the client through every step of the transformation, designing a modern, minimalist front yard that incorporated function and style. We used Unilock Siena Smooth wall stones and slab steps to create clean, defined lines. Techo Bloc Villagio pavers with Blu smooth banding stones were selected to add visual contrast while maintaining a cohesive look.
To navigate the slope of the hill, we designed a striking staircase of slab steps leading from the parking pad up to the porch, turning a challenging elevation into a prominent feature. We bordered the surrounding walls with a Hicks Yew hedge, which will grow to provide privacy and structure over time.
Planting & Landscape Design
We opted for a mix of low-maintenance yet visually appealing plantings to complement the minimalist style. Ornamental grasses add texture to the lower garden, while the upper garden beds feature a layering of greenery and colour:
Yews along the foundation provide a structured backdrop.
Hydrangeas add seasonal colour contrast.
All Gold Japanese Forest Grass brightens the front of the garden beds with its soft texture and vibrant hue.
The Result
The final design is a sophisticated, low-maintenance front yard parking solution that harmonizes with the natural slope of the hill. It offers the client the convenience they needed while enhancing the home’s curb appeal. The careful choice of plantings adds both structure and visual interest, ensuring that the small, minimalist landscape will continue to evolve beautifully over time.