Well-trimmed grass was the norm, but soon sustainable drought-resistant, salt-hardy, compact plants will be popping up all over the city. The City of Kelowna is reminding residents that, with the adoption of a new bylaw, this spring they can expand their creative landscaping from their yard to the boulevard."We anticipate that this spring some residents will begin to plant on the boulevards, increasing the curb appeal of their home, community and the city," says Ian Wilson, City Park Services Manager. "Residents have shown an interest in xeriscaping their properties and the boulevard. This new bylaw allows them to conserve water by using drought-resistant plants instead of turf." In September 2010 the City adopted the bylaw to regulate the maintenance of boulevards, allowing residents to plant on the boulevard - the strip of land between the property boundary and the street. To help residents stay within City guidelines, the City has compiled information on their website, which includes the following seven tips.
1. Maintain traffic sightlines: keep shrubs trimmed to lower than 50 centimetres (approximately a foot and a half); trim grass and weeds to lower than 20 centimetres (approximately half a foot).
2. Maintain car door clearance - no boulders, retaining walls or raised earth.
3. Clear vegetation at least one metre away from fire hydrants and hydrant valves.
4. Mulch with decomposable organics; rock mulch is not permitted next to the roadway.
5. Choose plants that are drought-tolerant and compact.
6. Root out invasive and noxious weeds.
7. Be safe! Call Before You Dig: 1-800-474-6886.
8. If you will be excavating the boulevard or blocking the sidewalk or traffic, a road usage permit is required.
For more information, including a list of suggested plants, visit kelowna.ca/parks under Boulevards.
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