Nature Strip Plantings

Funny thing about houses (and I should know, Ive

lived in quite a few) is that in every single one there
is an area (or areas) that could best be described as
a waste of space. Weird corners that no side table
can fit into, funny skinny hallways unsuitable for
anything other than skating in socks and racing the
kittens, unusable alcoves under stairs, and the
ubiquitous corner cupboard by the oven in the
kitchen that inevitably becomes a black hole for
Tupperware and baking trays.
But, the greatest waste of space of all is generally located outside the house. Its the nature strip,
and I reckon its time we all paid some attention to this oft neglected but all too visible patch of
nothingness!
The Nature Strip Explained
So, what exactly is a nature strip (or verge)? Well, technically speaking, a nature strip is council
owned and/or controlled land located between a constructed road and a parcel of private property,
which does not include land reserved for public purpose or bushland. This is pretty much a long
winded way of saying, the area out the front of your place between the boundary fence and the
gutter. Nature strips are, in most circumstances, owned by the council but managed by the
residents, which means the upkeep (yup, Im talking mowing) is up to you. The exception to this rule
is street trees, which are generally managed by the council so give them a call if they need a
prune, or some serious management.
I reckon that, by very definition, the word nature strip is an oxymoron in most circumstances. There
is so little nature on most nature strips that the desolated Afar Depression on the Horn of Africa
would have some serious competition from many nature strips! Traditionally, most nature strips are
a monoculture of turf .an area of often neglected grass used by the postie, house visitors when
parking and, my own personal nemesis, the inconsiderate souls who brings their dogs to toilet there
nightlyright by the letter box! But, as St. Dylan told us, the times they are a-changin, and
increasing numbers of eco-friendly folks are looking to change the face of our natures strips.
Stripping Getting Started
Now, before you scurry out to the front strip and start re-creating the Daintree, there are a few
things you need to be aware of. Nature strips are, technically, council property, and many councils
have some fairly tight regulations when it comes to planting out nature strips. Being public space,
these areas have to allow easy access (think pushers, bicycles, mobility scooters and the postman),
be free of trip hazards and allow for a continuous line of sight to prevent traffic chaos and accidents.
Generally speaking, the footpath area (where people walk) needs to be 1.5m wide, although this can
vary from council to council, and be kept free from overhanging branches and plants that could take
someones head off!
I have to point out that, for whatever reason, not all councils are amenable to homeowners altering
their nature strips (something to do with upsetting the aesthetics and feel of the suburb/street!).
Yup, it might be draconian and backwards, but I cannot stress strongly enough how important it is to
check with your local council before doing anything or planting anything on your nature strip. There
is nothing worse than the council coming along and removing an unsuitable landscape its only
going to end in tears and a story in the local newspaper! Loads of councils actually have some really
good nature strip beautification guidelines, including rules, regs and often suggested planting lists.
Getting Back to Nature (Strips)
One of the safest and sexiest of all footpath funk-ups is planting a selection of locally native grasses,
wildflowers and small shrubs. These types of plantings require minimal inputs (like irrigation,
fertilising and pest control), increase suburban bio-diversity, create habitat for birds and butterflies,
and enhance the character of a suburb. Indigenous plantings are uniquely suited to the local
environment, and should thrive, even on the toughest nature strip. The upside of this type of
planting is that most councils are more than happy for you to whack these types of plants in
provided you adhere to their guidelines.
As we all know, biodiversity and meaningful habitat has a number of strata or vegetation layers,
ranging from groundcovers and grasses, small, medium and large shrubs, and, of course, trees. And
herein lies a significant hurdle for converting footpaths into genuine nature strips. You see,
councils have a street tree planting policy, and a whole bunch of factors are taken into consideration
before street trees are put in. These include public safety, suitability of the tree for the site,
overhead powerlines, pruning and maintenance requirements, underground services and much
more. With this in mind, it is best not to plant anything that is likely to stand over 1m high at
maturity, lest the council come and remove it. Check with the council, loads of them will come out
and pop a suitable street tree in if you ask them.
Feeding on the Footpath
With all things edible now becoming incredible, imagine converting your footpath into a food forest?
This is a fabulous option for loads of residences, especially those with limited backyard space or
those living in quiet cul de sacs or side streets, away from the polluting influence of main roadways.
And even better is that taking your vegie garden to the street is a fantastic way of connecting
communities. There are a number of communities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle
already converting large expanses of footpath into community veggie gardens, and, councils willing,
more should continue. The secret here is to seek council approval before whacking in the
watermelons, and liaise with your neighbours. Vegie verges are an attractive, functional, productive
use of what can be a bit of a waste of space.
So hop to it call your council, get into the guidelines, connect your community and do something
funky on your footpath!
Pic 1: A footpath full of food. www.greenwalks.wordpress.com
Pic 2: A (partially) edible nature strip in Syndal, Melbourne. www.flickr.com.au syam c
Pic 3: Nature Strip Regeneration in Coburg, Melbourne. www.flickr.com greenroofsaustralia
Pic 4: Typical nature strip.complete with ornament! www.flickr.com yewenyi
Pic 5: Beautiful nature strip in an urban landscape.apart from the Agapanthus! www.flickr.com.au
yewenyi