Parking Strip Ideas: Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Oleh Norma Purdy May 26, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you tired of seeing your parking strip bare and boring? Do you want to have a more welcoming curb appeal? Look no further because we got you covered! In this blog post, we will be sharing some creative ideas on how to spruce up your parking strip. From adding plants to incorporating hardscapes, we've got it all covered. So, let's dive in and get inspired!

Why is the parking strip important?

Before we delve into the parking strip ideas, let's first understand why it matters. The parking strip, also known as the planting strip or hell strip, is the area between the sidewalk and the street. It serves as a buffer between pedestrians and vehicles and adds aesthetic value to your property. A well-designed parking strip can enhance the curb appeal of your home and increase its resale value.

Planting Ideas

Native Plants: Native plants are those that are indigenous to your region. They are low maintenance, require less water and fertilizer, and are adapted to your climate. Some popular native plants for parking strips include yarrow, goldenrod, and black-eyed Susan.
Succulents: Succulents are great for parking strips because they are drought-tolerant and come in various shapes and sizes. They add texture and color to your landscape and require little maintenance. Some succulent options include agave, sedum, and echeveria.
Edibles: If you have a green thumb and love to cook, consider planting edible plants in your parking strip. You can grow herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley or vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce.

Hardscape Ideas

Pavers: Pavers are a great way to create a pathway through your parking strip. They come in various materials like concrete, flagstone, and brick. Pavers add texture and depth to your landscape and are easy to install.
Boulders: Boulders can be used to create a natural-looking border around your parking strip. They add visual interest and can be used as accents throughout your landscape.
Benches: If you want to create a space for people to sit and enjoy your parking strip, consider adding a bench. You can choose from various styles like wooden, metal, or concrete.

Water Features

Fountains: Fountains are an elegant addition to any parking strip. The sound of water can be relaxing and can drown out noise from the street. Fountains come in various sizes and styles, so you can find one that suits your taste.
Bird Baths: Bird baths are a simple way to attract wildlife to your parking strip. They come in various materials like concrete, ceramic, and metal. You can also add bird feeders to attract more birds.

Lighting Ideas

Solar Lights: Solar lights are a great way to illuminate your parking strip at night. They require no electricity and are easy to install.
String Lights: String lights add a romantic and whimsical touch to your parking strip. They come in various colors and styles and can be hung between trees or on fences.

Art Installations

Sculptures: Sculptures can add an artistic element to your parking strip. You can choose from various styles like modern, abstract, or realistic.
Mosaics: Mosaics are a fun and creative way to decorate your parking strip. You can create a mosaic pathway or add mosaic art to your garden bed.

Irrigation Systems

Drip Irrigation: Drip irrigation is a great way to water your plants efficiently. It delivers water directly to the roots of your plants, reducing water waste.
Rain Barrels: Rain barrels are a great way to collect rainwater and use it to water your plants. They help conserve water and reduce your water bill.

Maintenance Tips

Mulching: Mulching your parking strip can help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing. Use organic mulch like wood chips or bark.
Watering: Water your plants deeply but infrequently. This will encourage deep root growth and prevent overwatering.
Fertilizing: Fertilize your plants with organic fertilizers like compost or worm castings. This will provide nutrients to your plants without harming the environment.

A well-designed parking strip can enhance the curb appeal of your home and create a welcoming atmosphere. From adding plants to incorporating hardscapes, there are various ways to spruce up your parking strip. Remember to choose plants that are adapted to your region, add lighting for safety, and install an irrigation system for efficient watering. With these ideas, you can transform your parking strip into a beautiful and functional landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How wide should a parking strip be?

A: The width of a parking strip may vary depending on local regulations. In general, it should be at least 4 feet wide to accommodate pedestrians and allow for planting.

Q2. Can I park on my parking strip?

A: No, parking on the parking strip is illegal in most areas. It serves as a buffer between pedestrians and vehicles.

Q3. Do I need a permit to plant in my parking strip?

A: It depends on your local regulations. Some areas require permits for planting in the parking strip. Check with your local government before ing any landscaping project.

Q4. What are some low-maintenance plants for parking strips?

A: Native plants, succulents, and edibles are all great options for low-maintenance parking strips.

Q5. Can I install a sprinkler system in my parking strip?

A: Yes, you can install a sprinkler system or drip irrigation system in your parking strip to efficiently water your plants.

Q6. What materials can I use for a pathway in my parking strip?

A: You can use various materials like pavers, flagstone, or gravel for a pathway in your parking strip.

Q7. Can I add art installations to my parking strip?

A: Yes, you can add sculptures, mosaics, or other artistic elements to your parking strip to create visual interest.

Q8. Are there any plants I should avoid planting in my parking strip?

A: Avoid planting invasive species that can spread and harm the environment. Check with your local plant nursery for recommendations.

Q9. How do I maintain my parking strip?

A: Mulch your parking strip to retain moisture and prevent weeds, water deeply but infrequently, and fertilize with organic fertilizers.

Q10. What are some budget-friendly parking strip ideas?

A: Use recycled materials like old bricks or pallets to create raised garden beds, plant seeds instead of buying mature plants, and DIY lighting using solar-powered lights.