The small area near the sidewalk might be one of the most challenging areas for gardening. Hellstrips are the areas located between streets and sidewalks that reflect high temperatures, dry up quickly, and usually feature compacted soil. However, just because gardening is hard doesn’t mean an area should appear untidy. If the right selection of drought-tolerant species and other factors are taken into account, a garden near a street could remain neat through summer with minimal maintenance.According to gardening professionals, the key to success lies in selecting the plants which will survive high temperatures, drought, and unfavourable soils once established. In addition, repeating a small number of types makes such gardens more organised. Researchers at Penn State University suggest selecting plants which will thrive specifically under harsh conditions typical of hellstrips rather than in conventional flower beds.The challenges of gardening hellstripsA variety of difficulties awaits hellstrip gardeners from the very beginning. High temperature reflected from pavement, fast water drainage, and roots growing in compacted soil lacking moisture make hellstripping challenging. Hellstrips’ visibility adds more difficulty to the process, as plants growing poorly become noticeable instantly.Penn State Extension states that plants grown in these locations must be able to withstand heat, drought, salinity, and periodic foot traffic. Thus, gardeners have started preferring tough perennial plants, ornamental grasses, and Mediterranean-type plants, which can survive stressful situations without excessive water.Lavender provides drought-tolerant plants that give a splash of colourLavender is among the most dependable plants for sunny curb-side beds. It is known for its heat-reflective silver-green foliage and its ability to survive droughts with very little irrigation when it has matured.Moreover, lavender can add aroma and summer hues to your garden. This plant requires full sunlight and well-draining soil. Too much water can harm its roots, especially on compacted soil. Using lavender repeatedly in small groupings adds a sense of rhythm and helps avoid overcrowding narrow beds.
These tough plants can survive the hottest strip in your yard. Image credit – Wikimedia
Daylilies thrive in heat with no problemsDaylilies have remained popular as these plants can grow in harsh conditions and can recover quickly from stress in the summer. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, daylilies are adaptable plants that require full sunlight and can survive droughts after maturing.The leaves arching upwards create a soft effect on hard surfaces like sidewalks and driveways. Limiting the choice to one or two colours makes the planting look neat.Blue fescue provides structure without occupying too much spaceBlue fescue proves ideal for planting strips as it maintains its form but brings all-year-round interest to the garden. The grass grows in neat tufts forming blue-green mounds which can withstand direct sunlight and drought conditions. According to RHS, Festuca species thrive in bright sunlight and sharply-drained sites. The plant looks different from flowering perennials, creating an attractive contrast between the two.Yarrow loves hot and infertile soilsYarrow serves well for gardens that receive full sun with little soil. The plant flowers in shades of yellow, white, pink, and red while surviving on poor soil and drought conditions.The fern-like foliage creates a soft effect in the garden. Garden designers usually plant yarrow for its profusion of flowers in poor soil and drought environments.Water is stored by Sedum in its leavesVarious species of sedum have leaves that can store water in their body. There are low-growing types of sedum that cover the surface of bare soil, and tall varieties give late-season flowers for insects like pollinators.Besides, sedum can also keep up with its structure despite the heat waves when other water-loving plants start to wilt.Russian sage is tolerant of reflected heatRussian sage is perfect for locations where there is reflected heat coming from sidewalks and driveways. This plant will bear the scorching sun for a long time, giving long-lasting blooms.It has purplish blossoms and silvery leaves that remain attractive even when the flowers do not completely unfold. This plant is best suited for planting with grasses and lavenders as a drought-tolerant flower bed.Design must be simple and repeatedAccording to experts, the common error people make when growing plants in narrow strips is introducing several unrelated plant species. By repeating a few hardy plant species and creating strong edges, light mulch, and spacing, one will achieve an aesthetic look. The success of a hellstrip does not require many plant varieties or regular watering.A few hardy plants arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way may turn a hard-to-maintain part of the yard into one of its best parts.
