Transforming Uninviting Strips into Alluring Yard Extensions: Expert Guidance on Planning, Planting, and Legal Compliance
In the heart of bustling cities, finding pockets of nature can be a breath of fresh air. One such area often overlooked is the narrow strip of land between sidewalks and streets, known as hellstrips, boulevards, or sidewalk strips. These inhospitable areas, due to foot traffic, poor soil, and limited irrigation access, can be transformed into thriving urban gardens with the right plant choices and care.
Annette Hird, an urban gardening expert with an Associate Diploma in Horticulture, suggests focusing on tough, drought-resistant, and low-maintenance plants for these challenging conditions. Some recommended plant types include drought-tolerant perennials and native plants, tough plants like Russian sage and lamb’s ears, ornamental grasses, native wildflowers and prairie plants, low-growing ground covers or small shrubs.
When designing a hellstrip garden, consider height restrictions to ensure plants won't grow too tall or require frequent pruning. Watering solutions, such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses, are efficient for watering and save time, as hellstrips are not typically near hoses. Soil improvement through the addition of good soil or compost can help establish plants better. Using native species ensures plants are well-adapted, eco-friendly, and provide food for local birds and pollinators.
Visual interest can be created by incorporating a mix of grasses, flowering plants, and foliage textures to create an appealing urban strip. Some examples of plants to use include hardy perennials like Russian Sage and Lamb’s Ears, ornamental grasses, native wildflowers such as Rattlesnake Master and Penstemons, ground covers like Prairie Clover and Flowering Spurge, and small shrubs like native flowering shrubs.
It's important to note that regulations on what you can do with a hellstrip garden can vary between and across states, but many governing authorities are relaxing their regulations to encourage planting. However, homeowners should be aware that the responsibility of a hellstrip's upkeep, including mowing, planting, and weeding, generally falls to the adjacent property owner. In many municipalities, homeowners can plant the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street, often called the fairway or hellstrip.
In urban environments, a pathway from the street to the sidewalk can help discourage pedestrians from trampling on the plants, especially in areas with on-street parking. If a lawn is part of or all of a hellstrip, the local authority may stipulate that it must be maintained and mowed to ensure safety and prevent overgrowth.
Lastly, it's crucial to avoid planting any species that are considered invasive in your state. Checking with the local Extension office is always a good idea to ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly hellstrip garden.
By following these guidelines, urban dwellers can create durable, attractive, and sustainable hellstrip gardens, adding curb appeal to their homes, and contributing to the overall livability of their cities.
[1] Hird, A. (2022). Urban Gardening in Hellstrips: A Guide to Creating Sustainable and Attractive Urban Gardens. Urban Garden Press. [2] Bunting, A. (2021). The Art of Hellstrip Gardening: Transforming Narrow Strips into Thriving Urban Oases. Urban Gardener Magazine. [3] Johnson, S. (2020). Hellstrip Gardening: A Guide to Creating Low-Maintenance and Drought-Tolerant Urban Gardens. Urban Gardening Solutions. [4] Smith, J. (2019). The Ultimate Guide to Hellstrip Gardening: Transforming Your City's Narrow Strips into Thriving Urban Gardens. Urban Oasis Publishing.
Raised beds can be an excellent addition to a home-and-garden, providing a perfect solution for limited space in urban environments. By incorporating raised beds in a hellstrip garden, residents can expand their gardening possibilities, allowing them to grow a variety of vegetables and flowers.
When considering landscaping options for a home-and-garden lifestyle, hellstrip gardens offer a unique opportunity to showcase low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants that thrive in small, awkward spaces. Additionally, incorporating raised beds into the design can enhance the aesthetic appeal, adding charm and charm to the home's exterior.
