Garden in the Public Right-of-Way
In an area known for parking and driving on the sidewalks, Shift Design Studio adapted a little known permit process to replace forty percent of the concrete in this 14’-wide sidewalk with plants.
Using drought tolerant and native species, it serves as a model for urban permeable landscaping. An emphasis is placed on texture and height variation as well as a soft color palette, resulting in a pedestrian (and butterfly) friendy streetscape. Auto access is maintained by a concrete paver strip and a plantable permeable driveway.
Neighbors' interest in this garden inspired the Shotwell Greenway and the founding of Plant*SF. See www.PlantSF.org.
