I always like the look of pavers for a driveway. They often allow drainage straight through when it rains and I would think you should have some focal point up to the front of the house maybe like a sundial. See images below for info. If you want plant help you need to post you zone.

thank you! live in Northern Arkansas so you never see pavers around here, usually gravel driveways...live on a dirt rd, so very much boondock country:)

The County Extension Office of your state university will have a list of plants that are native to your region. These plants should need little to no additional water once they are established (usually about a year). Learn what plants grow well in sun and in shade, and how big they get when they are mature. Be prepared to amend your soil.

Go to a local plant nursery (not national chain). The horticulturalist on staff will be able to answer all of your questions.

Best wishes!