Pine straw parking

Hi all,
I plan to copy an idea from my neighbor and convert an azalea bed next to my driveway into a pine straw parking lane.

The azalea bed is about 30'x4' and is bordered with monkey grass. I plan to tear out the azaleas and monkey grass (as well as some grass to make the space wide enough for a vehicle) and spread pine straw on the ground for use as a parking area.

Our house and driveway are configured in such a way that visitors parking in the driveway will block us in (we park around back); we'd like to create a parking spot that wouldn't block access to the rear of the house and garage. We also believe that additional parking (if landscaped properly) would increase the value of the property. I can supply pictures later.

My question is this: what sort of prepwork should be done to the bare ground before laying pine straw? I don't have any pines on my land, but I have an unlimited supply of longleaf pine straw at my parents' house.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Regards,
David