Street-Side Planting: What to Grow Between Sidewalk and Street

When it comes to enhancing the curb appeal of your property, the area between your sidewalk and the street is often overlooked. This narrow strip, often referred to as the "hellstrip," can be transformed into a beautiful, low-maintenance garden with the right plants. Let's explore what to plant between sidewalk and street, focusing on plants that thrive in these conditions and add aesthetic value to your home.

First, consider the unique challenges of this space. It's typically narrow, receives a lot of foot traffic, and may have limited sunlight due to nearby trees or buildings. Additionally, it's important to choose plants that are safe for pets and children, as this area is often accessible to passersby. With these factors in mind, let's dive into the best plants for this often-neglected space.

Low-Growing Ground Covers

Ground covers are excellent choices for the hellstrip as they require minimal maintenance and can help prevent erosion. They also create a lush, inviting look that softens the hard edges of sidewalks and streets.

One popular option is Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'). This low-growing perennial features bright yellow, round leaves that resemble coins. It's drought-tolerant, grows well in shade, and forms a dense mat that crowds out weeds. For a pop of color, consider Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum), which produces pink or white flowers and grows well in partial shade.

Drought-Tolerant Grasses

Ornamental grasses add texture and movement to the hellstrip. Many varieties are drought-tolerant and require little maintenance, making them ideal for this space.

Consider Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue'), a compact grass with steel-blue foliage that turns silver in the summer. It's drought-tolerant and grows well in full sun to partial shade. For a taller option, try Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'), which features upright, feathery plumes that add drama to the landscape.

Flowering Perennials

Perennials return year after year and can add color and interest to the hellstrip. Choose varieties that are low-growing, drought-tolerant, and have a long blooming season.

Consider Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), a cheerful, daisy-like flower that blooms from summer to fall. It's drought-tolerant, attracts pollinators, and grows well in full sun. For a shade-loving option, try Tiarella (Tiarella cordifolia), which features small, white flowers and maple-like leaves. It grows well in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Street-Smart Shrubs

Shrubs can add structure and height to the hellstrip, but it's important to choose varieties that are narrow, have a compact growth habit, and won't outgrow their space. Many dwarf and columnar shrubs are well-suited to this space.

Consider Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'), a narrow evergreen that provides year-round screening. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. For a flowering option, try Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'), which produces large, white flower clusters that turn pink or green in acidic soil. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Trees for the Hellstrip

While trees may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the hellstrip, certain varieties can add beauty and value to this space. Choose trees that are narrow, have a compact growth habit, and won't interfere with sidewalks or streetlights.

Consider Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum), a small, deciduous tree with delicate, lacy foliage. It grows well in partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. For a flowering option, try Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana), which produces large, fragrant flowers in early spring. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Incorporating the right plants into your hellstrip can transform this often-neglected space into a beautiful, inviting extension of your home. By choosing plants that thrive in these conditions and require minimal maintenance, you can create a low-effort, high-impact landscape that enhances your curb appeal and adds value to your property. So, why not get started today and watch your hellstrip flourish?