What to plant on your boulevard

Consider the boulevard — that narrow buffer between the street and the sidewalk, usually a bland band of grass concealing an underground network of gas pipes, sewer lines and cables.

To some gardeners, it's a hellstrip, an awkward botanical no man's land, suitable only for sod.

But a growing number of urban gardeners are seeing opportunity and prime real estate ripe for planting. In older neighborhoods with mature trees, often the boulevard is the only sunny, level spot on one's property. And a boulevard planting, at its best, can be an extension of your front garden, a welcoming first impression that beautifies the street, reduces runoff and facilitates neighborly interaction. Think of it as an attractive setting for those lingering Minnesota goodbyes.

Technically, you own the boulevard, but it's an easement that your city has the right to excavate should utility problems arise. Keep this in mind before you begin gardening, since the city is not obligated to repair any damage if this occurs. In addition there are regulations and other practical issues to consider before you proceed to plant. Rule No. 1: Notify Gopher State One Call (651-454-0002, gopherstateonecall.org) before you dig. It's free, and now there's a 24/7 app available. No excuses.

While boulevard garden rules vary from city to city, Minneapolis code prohibits growing of edibles, weeds or "noxious plants" on the boulevard, unless a permit for such is issued by the city. Flowers and grasses are fair game.

However, in Minneapolis, boulevard plantings are required to max out at 36 inches in height and to not exceed 18 inches in height within 20 feet of any intersection, alley or driveway approach. This is not the city trying to stifle your horticultural aspirations but a safety precaution, so there is no sight obstruction.

Boulevards take a lot of abuse from road salt, snow load, litter and other pollution — a good reason for the no-edibles clause. Any boulevard plantings will have to allow for those hazards, as well as car doors, foot traffic and trash cans. This is not the place to plant delicate lady slippers.

Just as with any garden, soil prep is important to the success of a boulevard garden. Boulevard soil is often hard and compacted. After stripping the sod by hand or with a machine (these can be rented), you'll want to amend the soil with organic matter to nourish plants, as well as help it absorb and drain water. Avoid any temptation to make berms. In fact, a slight slope toward the center of about 1 to 2 inches will create a swale that captures and filters rainwater and runoff and allows it to percolate slowly back into the groundwater. In this regard, boulevard plantings can work to improve water quality in our communities.

In spite of city restrictions on height, plant choices abound. In my Minneapolis neighborhood alone, I see creative boulevard designs that run the gamut from mini-prairie, to lush floral expressions, to sensible no-mow groundcovers.

The University of Minnesota lists suitable perennials for boulevards in their publication, "The Best Plants for 30 Tough Sites." Included are a number of native plants like coneflower, blazing star and milkweed that, in addition to being hardy and dependable, are great plants for sustaining pollinators.

Surprisingly, old-fashioned stalwarts such as peonies, daylilies and iris also make the cut. This year, Bachman's garden centers are featuring a section of durable annuals for boulevards, including specific varieties of ageratum, amaranth, calendula, cosmos, lisianthus, marigold and zinnias.

Once your boulevard garden is established, make sure to tend, weed and water it as needed, just like any other garden. Don't let plants flop into the walkway. Divide crowded plants when necessary — and consider sharing the extras with neighbors and passersby.