by Have you ever seen that small strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street? That little patch of land is called a devil strip lawn. This guide will show you how to turn that tricky spot into a beautiful garden that makes your whole neighborhood look better.
What is a Devil Strip Lawn?
A devil strip lawn is the narrow piece of land that separates your front yard from the road. People have many names for it, such as a boulevard strip, hellstrip, or a tree belt. It’s that small area you see when you are doing parking strip landscaping.
This little strip can be hard to take care of. It gets a lot of sun, people walk on it, and cars drive by close to it. But with the right plants and care, you can make your devil strip lawn a wonderful part of your home’s look.
Why They Matter in Urban Gardening
These small strips are a big deal for neighborhood landscaping. Turning a boring grass strip into a garden full of flowers and plants, also known as hellstrip gardening, can make your street look amazing. This adds a lot of charm to your home and the whole area.
These mini-gardens also help the environment. They can:
- Help Bees and Butterflies: Flowers provide food for important pollinators.
- Cool the Area: Plants can help lower the heat on hot city sidewalks.
- Reduce Water Use: Many plants for these strips don’t need much water.
This is one of the best small urban garden tips you can use to make a big impact with a small space.
Best Plants for Devil Strip Lawns
Choosing the right plants is the key to a successful strip lawn design. You need plants that can handle tough conditions. Look for drought-tolerant plants that don’t need a lot of water. It is also wise to pick plants that are safe for pets and kids.
Here are some great choices:
- Grasses: Ornamental grasses like Blue Fescue look great and don’t need much care.
- Perennials: Coneflowers, Sedum, and Daylilies are tough flowers that come back every year.
- Groundcovers: Creeping Thyme is a good choice because it can handle being walked on and it smells nice.
- Small Trees: For some shade, a small flowering tree can be a great addition. Just make sure you know the basics of care, like Eastern Redbud Pruning, to keep it healthy and the right size.
For more information on choosing plants that can survive in tough urban spots, the American Horticultural Society offers great advice on sustainable gardening.
How to Maintain a Devil Strip Lawn
Taking care of your new garden is simple. Narrow lawn maintenance is easier than you think if you follow these steps for your curbside lawn care.
- Watering: Water your new plants deeply but not too often. Once they are established, many drought-tolerant plants will only need water when it’s very hot and dry.
- Trimming: Trim your plants to keep them from growing onto the sidewalk or into the street. If you plant roses, a good Rose Pruning Guide will help you keep them looking their best.
- Cleaning: Keep the area free of trash and weeds. This will help your plants stay healthy and make the space look tidy.
Devil Strip Lawn vs. Regular Front Yard Lawn
How is caring for this little strip different from your main lawn? Here’s a simple comparison.
|
Feature |
Devil Strip Lawn |
Regular Front Yard Lawn |
|---|---|---|
|
Size |
Small, narrow strip |
Larger, open area |
|
Water Needs |
Often lower |
Can be high |
|
Maintenance |
Medium effort |
High effort |
|
Curb Appeal |
High when well-kept |
High |
|
Plant Choices |
Limited by space |
More flexible |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When you start your hellstrip gardening project, try to avoid these common problems:
- Overwatering: It’s easy to give plants too much water. Most plants for these strips prefer drier soil.
- Planting Invasive Species: Some plants can spread too quickly and take over. Always choose plants that are native or well-behaved.
- Ignoring City Rules: Some cities have rules about what you can plant in a boulevard strip. Check with your local government before you start digging. The University of Minnesota Extension has a helpful guide on this.
Helpful Tips for First-Time Gardeners
Here are a few more sidewalk strip ideas to help you succeed:
- Use Mulch: A layer of wood chips or straw on the soil can keep weeds down and hold moisture in.
- Start Small: You don’t have to do the whole strip at once. Start with a small section and add more later.
- Protect from Animals: Sometimes, animals like rabbits might nibble on your new plants. It can be helpful to know things like How High Can Rabbits Jump Garden Fence? to protect your garden.
A devil strip lawn project is a fun way to get into gardening and make your neighborhood more beautiful. With a little planning, you can create a stunning curbside garden that everyone will enjoy.Ready to learn more? Explore our site for more home gardening tips and projects at Outdoor Project Lab.
