The potential for our roadsides to be gardens, seems huge. If we were to adopt a policy of planting the edges of our streets and roads with a variety of flowering and fruiting plants, we'd have a cornucopia from which anybody could harvest, and it'd add a great deal to the visual environment at the same time. Insects would benefit and farms too, as a result of those increased populations of beetles, butterflies and bees. But there are barriers to the success of this plan. Herbicide use by councils is one of the major 'road-blocks'. Local authorities love tidy. So do many members of the public and flamboyant displays of flowers and shrubs don't fit with many peoples desire to level all vegetation with a ride-on mower. But there are some who buck the trend, and plant their roadsides out in whatever they enjoy. 3 cheers for them!
Here are two photos I took of a swale that ran between a side road and a lifestyle block near Invercargill. It's planted with both annuals and perennials and looks marvellous. I hope it spreads up and down the road and into the consciousness of all Southlanders.
4 comments:
Only a fool would argue with that idea.
Then I hope one shows up. I'm feelin' feisty!
I think the problem is competition from grasses (like Yorkshire fog) often overwhelms such plantings.
It is an interesting idea and one that I am keen to do some more experimenting on, especially because I am now doing some maintenance on several highway areas/rest areas.
Not sure you would approve of my pebble gardens though!!.
You might like the tussocks.
Grasses are a challenge alright. Planting smotherers is the answer. Also tolerating some grasses, having them as an attractive part of the mix. Taller herbs and flowering plants do best amongst grasses and perennials are best as you don't have to replant ever spring. Cardoons look great. Rhubarb and sea beet.
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