Creating a Hellstrip Garden
Thenarrow strip of land between the sidewalk and the street is often overlooked, frequently abused, and rarely planted well. Named a sidewalk strip, gardeners know it as thehellstrip—since it presents some of the most challenging growing conditions found in residential landscapes.
Ironically, the hellstrip is also one of the most visible planting opportunities a gardener has. Everyone walking, biking, or driving past sees it. When thoughtfully planted, it can soften hard infrastructure, support pollinators, manage stormwater, and add curb appeal.
Success in the hellstrip begins with understanding its constraints—and designing within them rather than fighting against them.
Before You Plant: Regulations and Responsibilities
In many municipalities, the hellstrip lies within the public right-of-way, even though homeowners are often responsible for maintenance. Local ordinances may regulate:
- Maximum plant height, especially near intersections
- Sightlines for pedestrians and drivers
- Placement of structures, edging, or hardscape
- Access to underground utilities
A quick check with the municipal office or public works department can prevent issues later. I recommend keeping plant height below 36 inches, utilizing dwarf conifers, small shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs. Many governing authorities are relaxing the rules, considering environmental concerns due to the loss of biodiversity.
Homeowners' associations may impose additional guidelines and approvals.
Understanding the Site: A Garden of Extremes
Hellstrips experience conditions that differ sharply from the rest of the yard:
- Soil compactionfrom foot traffic and construction equipment
- Low organic matter
- Heat stressfrom adjacent pavement
- Inconsistent moisture, being wet in the winter and dry in the summer
- Road salts and animal urine
Creating healthy soil is key before you plant. Consider initial aeration to break up the compaction, then follow with compost annually until soil structure returns.
Understanding Light: Often Consistent, but Can Be Deceptive
Buildings, street trees, parked cars, and seasonal sun angles can significantly alter available light in a hellstrip. Observing the site over a full day—and ideally across seasons—ensures plant choices align with reality. Here is a guide to help with plant choices:
- Full sun:6 or more hours of direct sun
- Part sun:4–6 hours
- Part shade:2–4 hours
- Shade:less than 2 hours
Winter Snow, Road Salts, and Animal Urine
Snow load can break stems and compress plants. Road salts and animal urine can damage plants by disrupting plant chemistry and nutrient availability. Some trial and error will be needed, but herbaceous perennials, annuals, and bulbs generally do well. Small deciduous shrubs with flexible stems will tolerate the space. I have found that dwarf Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki cypress) is an evergreen that performs admirably.
Plant Selection
The following plants are suited for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-8.
- Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki cypress; not-native, dwarf conifer, full sun)
- Itea virginica (Virginia sweetspire; full sun to part shade)
- Ilex verticillata (winterberry; dwarf cultivar, full to part sun)
- Clethra alnifolia (sweet pepperbush; part sun to shade)
- Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem; full to part sun)
- Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower; full to part sun)
- Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan; full to part sun)
- Coreopsis verticillata (threadleaf coreopsis; full sun)
- Allium cernuum (nodding onion; full sun)
- Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’ (compact goldenrod; full sun)
- Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly milkweed; full sun)
- Nepeta × faassenii (catmint; not native, but highly tolerant, full sun)
- Phlox stolonifera (creeping phlox; full sun)
- Antennaria plantaginifolia (pussytoes; full sun)
- Sedum spurium ‘John Creech’ (not native, full sun)
- Carex pensylvanica(Pennsylvania sedge; part sun to shade)
- Carex woodii (pretty sedge; part sun to shade)
- Carex albicans (white-tinged sedge; full sun to part shade)
- Carex plantaginea (plantain-leafed sedge; part shade to shade)
- Heuchera americana (alumroot; part sun to shade)
- Geranium maculatum (wild geranium; part sun to part shade)
- Packera aurea (golden ragwort/groundsel; best in moister sites, part sun to part shade)
- Sedum ternatum (woodland stonecrop; part shade to shade)
Consider Annuals
I enjoy planting annuals in sections of my hellstrip. This can be more labor-intensive, but it allows me to change the plant textures and color schemes each year. I often start these areas with tulips, then remove them and plant annuals in their place. I will often plant textural plants like kale or Swiss chard amongst the flowers for additional interest.
Design Considerations
- Repetition is key: it will pull the eye along the hellstrip
- Plant densely: this is a show area; dense planting hides some plants that may struggle
- Add annuals to fill in gaps as needed
- Cues for care: place shorter plants along the sidewalk; keep them neat
- Vary plant height: don’t build a wall
- Keep plants below 36 inches tall: protect visibility
The Payoff
A well-planted hellstrip does more than solve a problem. It filters stormwater, moderates pavement heat, supports insects, and quietly improves neighborhood character. It encourages neighbors to stop and chat.Hellstrips remind us that beauty can be found in the toughest places.
