If that spot between your sidewalk and the street is looking pretty raggedy, now is the perfect time to be taking care of that. Parking strips with lush grass that look perfect are one thing, but most parking strips aren't lush and full and green and pretty. They're sad little extensions of our yards that we as homeowners are responsible for, and they usually look less than ideal.
Here are a few easy steps I found at Sunset Western Gardens that I added to as well, They will help you get yours looking spiffy before the heat of summer hits us. Because face it, you would rather be out there digging in the sweet April warmth than the tough July heat radiating off the pavement.
1. Remove weeds and unwanted plants, which is usually the half-way alive grass. For some stubborn roots and plants, give them a little shot of Round-Up or Killzall.
2. If the soil is compacted and lifeless, you need to till it up and add some compost or well rotted manure as well as a bit of fresh topsoil if needed. (I know that sounds super easy, but we all know that takes some time and some muscle.)
3. Figure out your layout. If it's a long strip, you will for sure want to add some stepping stones, pavers, or a few paths for people, mostly kids, to walk through. Plus, hard-scaped materials like rock, stone, and wood just make landscapes look better.
They add an element of structure, stability, and permanency. Even if your strip isn't really long, a nice path that takes your feet from the road to the sidewalk looks good and it reduces the amount of space you have to plant.
4. Think about smart plants for your space. There may be an existing tree or shrub you can work around or totally remove. Your choice. Is your spot sunny or shady? Is there water readily available or do you need to figure that out? Do automatic sprinklers hit that area or do you need to figure out a soaker hose solution? Will the plants deter or be harmed by snow plows or mail delivery? Do you know how tall or wide your new plants will get? Heber City Ordinances say this about landscaping parking strips:
The area of the street right-of-way between the curb line, or the proposed curb lines as established by the City Street Standard, and the property line (park strip) shall be landscaped, maintained and kept free of weeds by the abutting property owner with any combination of lawn, shrubs, trees, flowers, growing ground cover, small rocks, bark, and non-grouted/non-bonded pavers. Park strips may not be hard surfaced except for approved driveways, bike trails, equestrian trails and walk areas. No objects or plantings shall be placed within the right of way which would obstruct the visibility of street signs or which would obstruct the intersection visibility triangles. Such objects and plantings are deemed a public nuisance.
Heber City also has ordinances for street trees. What kind to plant, what not to plant, where they may be planted in association with hydrants, corners, other trees, stop signs, etc. Click here to visit their website to see this ordinance. Midway City doesn't have any ordinances regarding parking strips other than it is the owner's responsibility to improve and maintain them.
5. Purchase plants and get planting. The best overall look will result from planting in drifts. Choose a handful of plants and buy a few of each one. Plant three of the same kind of plant in a triangle together. This method will get you a a simple, classic and cohesive look. If you want a more bold look, you can plant them more sporadically or perfectly symmetric.
Sunset Western Garden says you should make your plant selections with these traits: unthirsty, unfussy, persistent, compact height, attractive foliage, tidy growth, variety of textures and shapes, and varied bloom times.
Sunset Western Garden says you should make your plant selections with these traits: unthirsty, unfussy, persistent, compact height, attractive foliage, tidy growth, variety of textures and shapes, and varied bloom times.
This photo shows moderately carefree, easy, drought tolerant plants. Irises are very easy to grow and get thicker and thicker every year. Their water needs are moderate to low once established and after they are done flowering, their lush green foliage looks great for the rest of the season.
Because we live in Utah, we need to be smart with our plant selections even more than other areas do. There are so many varieties of perennials and shrubs that still look great with less water. When you go shopping, ask the nursery employees and read the tags. Visualize your parking strip area and the amount of water, sun, traffic, and maintenance it will get and make a good choice.
6. Mulch your area and make sure it gets watered well to establish your plants. If you plant now, by July they will look fuller and more beautiful than if you wait to do this project in the heat of the summer. And of course, you need to weed. Give your new plants the benefit of not having to compete for water or sun with weedy plants.
PS - for a look at some gardening styles you can incorporate into your yard, click here and here.
Brought to you by Heath @ HeathsHomes.com
