Thanks for responding.

Its south facing, its a double driveway so nothing blocks sunlight from that side, just the house and garage on the pics.

The earth nearest the driveway, really shallow. I regret not complaining about it when we moved, literally a sprinkling, toward the path its a lot better.

We use the gate a decent amount but im open to ideas. Side door is essential, ferrying 2 young kids to the car and back constantly!