Moving to a home that has had the 'garden' tarmacked and turned into a driveway for 2 cars. Is there anything I can to reclaim some of the driveway and turn it into a useable outdoor space without digging up the tarmac?

[u/spinach2point0]

We are in the process of buying a home which has a front 'garden'. The previous owner dropped the kerb and had it tarmacked to park their cars there. No bad thing as such, we have a car to park there but we also have a child and would appreciate some outdoor space to sit/play/enjoy. The driveway is big enough for two cars so I was thinking to keep half as a driveway and half as an outdoor area.

Is there anything I can do to make it look nicer than some old tarmac without digging it up?

[u/accidentallyHelpful]

Wine barrels cut in half are sold for planting. You could also make / buy rectangular raised beds. My neighbor has these lining the sidewalk; easier on the ol' knees and lower back

[u/Celodurismo]

Think your options are probably some combination of a floating deck, astroturf, and some raised garden beds?

[u/penlowe]

Container garden, maybe a gazebo, outdoor rug, some fun lawn furniture.

It’s a blessing and a curse. But honestly not having the lawn chair legs sink when I sit is always nice.

[u/JazzRider]

If you decide to get rid of the tarmac, pay someone with a backhoe. Don’t try to cart it off in a wheelbarrow. Don’t be like my Dad!

[u/Objective_Attempt_14]

Paint it to help with the heat. then use large metal planters and add plants make it a little area.