Explore and Reflect
Before you start, it's worth looking at what other people are doing, think about what you want to do and why.
Before you start, it's worth looking at what other people are doing, think about what you want to do and why. Think of it as a literature review, market research, or just doing your homework.
That reflection will help you understand the different reactions you might get from your garden, and help you avoid disputes.
The Why
What has brought you here? Do you want to provide habitat? Or make your street more attractive? Or are you just fed up with mowing?
My original motivation was that I was fed up with mowing - and I still feel that little bit of joy when I watch neighbours mow in the mid-summer heat while I just wander out occasionally and pull the odd weed.
Here are some reasons that people give. Your reasons may change over time.
Freedom from mowing
Street appeal
Reduce urban heat
Increase biodiversity
Grow pollinator strips
The Why Nots
Below are some of the concerns that Shady Lanes subscribers gave for being hesitant about verge gardening. (read more here)
What are your main concerns or worries?
What the neighbours will say
What the council will say
Vandalism or theft
Getting it wrong
Not knowing where to start
Explore and Reflect
Start taking more notice of verges and nature strips with and without street trees and verge gardens and think about how they make you feel.
Are they comforting or hostile? Interesting? Boring? Does the temperature change when you walk in the shade? Do they smell different? Do they change your impression of the house or the neighbourhood?
This is easiest when walking because you are closer and slower.You can also see a good variety of bare and planted verges through the bus window.
How does where you stand affect your view of a verge garden? Is it different if you look at yours from your front door, or if you look at the neighbours across the road, or if you are walking along a street? Does your impression change if you walk by the same verge regularly?
What do you think?
How do you feel about verge gardening now? Any concerns? Tell us in the comments below.
This free article is part of the Understanding the Space section: bite-sized introductions to gardening in these small but wonderfully complex spaces.