You don't say what your driveway is composed of: gravel, concrete, asphalt? That can make a difference as to what will do well there. The last two hold and radiate a lot of heat. Do you use de-icer on your driveway that gets washed into the beds? Most perennials bloom for two to three weeks. I've found that heliopsis blooms from mid June to frost. However the shortest one I know of is Tuscan Sun which grows 15 to 18 in. 10 to 12 inches is really on the short side for perennials. Veronica 'Goodness Grows' will bloom most of the summer if you don't mind deadheading and Tunic Flower blooms from mid June till frost and is only about 3 inches tall. All of these like a fair amount of sun. Depending on whether you have high open shade or dense shade will determine if some sun lovers will tolerate that side of your driveway. I can't say for sure about the English Daisys but sometimes the bloom times given in catalogs, books and plant tags refers to the range of bloom time which can vary depending on what part of the country you live in.

If one side is sunny and the other is shady, you cannot plant the same plants. Even if they grow, they will be on different schedules and will grow and bloom differently. For long interest, think in terms of foliage color, plant shape and texture and the flowers as a bonus.

Do you only have two feet on either side or can that area be expanded into larger curving beds?

Thank you guys for the responses.
Hostaholic2 : My driveway is made of asphalt. So heat radiation could be a issue. However the perennials which I have planted now didn't have any problems this year.

Laceyvail..: I may have to grow different plants on either side. I'm now thinking about growing Astilbe on the shady side. Do they grow too tall.?

alicate: On the sunny side I can expand the area into larger curving beds.. I can't do that on the shady side though. There is about just 4 more ft wide lawn on that side.

It sounds like you are trying to make a symmetrical border with the center of the driveway being the central axis. Given the conditions, it might work better to imagine the central axis perpendicular to the driveway. There will still be symmetry, and the brain will subconciously pick up on it so it looks 'designed', but the sunny side can be wide enough to do something with it.

The only thing I could think of that would be perfect for the sunny side of your driveway is Mini roses, or mini daylilies. The deer and rodents won't bother either of these, they are on the short side also and come in many different colors. Plus the roses bloom from spring till frost. Most shade plants don't bloom as long as the ones in sun. Sounds like the shady side of your driveway would have been perfect for the hostas. Of course you could always cut the branches back on your trees in the spring to get at least part sun, then you would have more options for that side of the driveway. This is my shortest daylily Mardi gras parade, it is about 18 inches tall(scapes with flowers) the foliage is a bit shorter
{{gwi:246937}} have fun planting your garden! -Jessica

Astilbies come in a variety of heights and bloom times but they do need consistently moist soil. They also bloom better if they get some sun, either dappled all day or early morning sun. Gingers may be another possiblity to mix in with some other things. Not much for bloom but the leaves are nice. Bergenia, Astrantia, primula are lower growing shade tolerant plants too. What kind of trees will they be going under? Hopefully not maples, as they have a very fibrous, mat forming root system that makes growing other things challenging. Good luck!

Suggestion for the sunny side -- gaillardia Arizona Sun. You have red & yellow, about ten to 12 inches tall and wide. They will endure a lot of heat, etc. too. Coreopsis Moonbeam is pretty hardy too -- lovely but only one color. Good luck.

Montauk Daisy would grow well in both sun and part shade. I planted it in my driveway garden and is doing well. I also have clay soil, so my driveway garden is a super challange.