11 Popular Landscaping Ideas For Parking Strips 2024
June 4, 2024
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Landscaping Ideas for Parking Strips: Transforming the Curb Appeal
Parking strips, those often-neglected stretches of land between the sidewalk and the curb, hold immense potential for enhancing your home‘s visual appeal and contributing to the overall streetscape. Rather than a bland patch of dirt or tired grass, you can transform your parking strip into a vibrant garden, a pollinator haven, or even a low-maintenance xeriscape.
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Factors to Consider Before You Dig In
Before diving headfirst into planting, consider these important aspects:
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Climate and Sun Exposure: Understanding your climate zone and the amount of sunlight the parking strip receives will guide your plant selection. Drought-tolerant natives thrive in hot, dry areas, while shade-loving perennials might be a better fit for cooler regions with less sun.
Local Regulations: Some municipalities have restrictions on what you can plant in the parking strip. Check with your local authorities to ensure your landscaping plans comply with any regulations regarding sightlines or permissible plants.
Maintenance Level: Consider your time and commitment to upkeep. If you have a busy lifestyle, low-maintenance options like gravel gardens or native plantings might be ideal. Lush flowerbeds, while beautiful, require more frequent watering and tending.
Inspiring Parking Strip Design Ideas
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With a little planning, your parking strip can become a stunning focal point. Here are some creative ideas to spark your imagination:
A Pollinator Paradise: Attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds by planting flowering perennials like coneflowers, lavender, and bee balm. Include native grasses for added texture and to provide habitat for beneficial insects.
The Low-Water Oasis: Embrace xeriscaping principles by utilizing drought-tolerant plants like ornamental grasses, succulents, and cacti. Utilize gravel or decorative rock mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
A Colorful Tapestry: Create a vibrant display with flowering shrubs like roses or butterfly bushes. Add seasonal blooms with annuals like pansies, petunias, or marigolds.
Edible Delights: If space permits, explore planting a mini vegetable garden in your parking strip. Opt for compact, raised beds to grow herbs, lettuce, or even small tomato plants.
Gardening by the sidewalk
Choosing the Right Plants
When selecting plants, prioritize low-growing and shallow-rooted varieties that won’t obstruct sidewalks or sightlines. Consider the mature size of plants to avoid future trimming hassles. Here are some additional tips:
Low Maintenance Parking Strip Landscaping Ideas
Group plants with similar water needs together.
Incorporate plants with different heights and textures for visual interest.
Choose plants that flower at different times to ensure year-round color.
Beyond Plants: Adding Finesse
Gardening by the sidewalk
While plants are the stars of the show, consider incorporating other elements to elevate your parking strip design:
Edging: Define the border of your planting area with edging stones, bricks, or a low fence. This creates a clean look and helps contain mulch or gravel.
Pathways: Create a meandering path with stepping stones or gravel to add visual interest and provide access for planting and maintenance.
Lighting: Solar-powered lights can add a touch of magic to your parking strip in the evenings.
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Conclusion
Transforming your parking strip from neglected space to a vibrant landscape not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also benefits the environment. By choosing the right plants and incorporating design elements, you can create a beautiful, functional space that complements your home and adds value to your property.
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FAQs
What are some low-maintenance parking strip plants?
Drought-tolerant succulents, ornamental grasses, native wildflowers, and low-growing perennials are all excellent choices for low-maintenance parking strips.
Can I plant vegetables in my parking strip?
Yes, as long as there’s adequate space and local regulations allow it. Opt for compact, raised beds and choose vegetables with shallow root systems.
How much does it cost to landscape a parking strip?
The cost varies depending on the size of the area, plant choices, and materials used. It can range from a few dollars for seeds to hundreds of dollars for elaborate designs with hardscaping elements.
Do I need a permit to landscape my parking strip?
Always check with your local municipality to see if any permits are required for planting in the parking strip. Some areas might have restrictions on plant height or type.
How do I care for my parking strip landscaping?
Watering needs will vary depending on your plants and climate. Regularly weeding, trimming, and applying mulch are essential for maintaining a healthy and attractive parking strip.
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