A well-kept sidewalk garden increases the value of your home. It is the first element that greets a visitor and an unkempt sidewalk speaks volumes, even if high walls or fences separate it from the well maintained garden inside. Strictly speaking, the sidewalk is public space, which means that passers-by should be able to walk on the sidewalk.
It’s easy to accommodate that and still make an attractive garden that gives walkers a sense of pleasure, while adding to the overall appeal of the street. Sidewalk gardens however have their challenges. Out of sight out of mind is very much an issue for gardens on the other side of the wall .
Here are some ways to remedy it : Resist the impulse to pave the entire area. The runoff is enormous and puts pressure on our rather fragile, ill maintained storm water drainage system. It is far more environmentally friendly to plant grasses or groundcover plants so that rainfall can be absorbed into the ground.
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Advice from Kirchhoffs is to water the existing lawn to moisten the soil. Rake to remove dead or loose grass. Loosen bare areas of soil.
Kikuyu seed is pelleted so it is easy to see where it is sown. Cover with a light layer of soil and gently firm it down so that the seed makes contact with the soil. Water the area with a sprinkler and keep the lawn moist while the seed germinates, between seven to 14 days.
Delay mowing for about a month or until the new grass has grown through and is established. Kirchhoffs ‘Wonderlawn’ (Dicondra repens) is not a grass but a low growing ground cover with dark green, small clover like leaves. It is reasonably hard wearing, spreads quickly and forms a dense carpet.
It doesn’t need mowing and grows in semi-shade. It also works well in-between pavers. Alyssum ‘Royal Carpet’ (purple), ‘Snow Carpet’ or ‘Pastel Shades’ can be planted as a flowering, low maintenance groundcover.
Growing it from seed is the best option for larger areas with sun and semi-shade. It germinates quickly and once it is growing needs no more attention, except watering once a week in summer. It lightens areas, adding colour and fragrance.
Portulaca ‘Daydream’ is a water wise succulent with double flowers in a wide range of bright and pastel shades. It is the ideal flowering groundcover for hot sunny sidewalks. Portulaca likes well drained soil and shouldn’t be over watered.
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