Short answer: Yes, you can create a boulevard garden in the City of Victoria — as long as you follow the city’s Boulevard Gardening Guidelines. Choosing drought- and salt-tolerant plants is essential because boulevard strips in Victoria face dry summers, clay soil, deer pressure, and coastal conditions.
1. What a Boulevard Garden Is
What it is: The boulevard is the strip of land between the sidewalk and street that the city owns but residents may plant on.
Why it matters (local): In Victoria, boulevards often contain utilities, compacted clay soil, and roots from city trees. The city allows gardening here if guidelines are followed.
IslandEarth example: We converted a Saanich turf boulevard into a native grass and lavender strip after marking utilities and ensuring safe curb access.
2. What You’re Allowed to Do
What it is: The City of Victoria permits residents to garden the boulevard without a formal permit.
Why it matters (local): You must keep walkways clear, allow access to utilities, and maintain the space.
IslandEarth example: For a James Bay homeowner, we created a simple edible-flower bed and emailed the city photos beforehand to confirm compliance.
3. What You Can’t Do
What it is: Permanent structures, raised beds that block access, or anything obstructing pedestrians are not allowed.
Why it matters (local): The city may remove the garden if it interferes with public works or poses a safety hazard.
IslandEarth example: We replaced a client’s tall wooden edging with low, removable stone so the area stayed compliant and accessible.
4. Safety & Access Requirements
What it is: Your garden must be safe, neat, and not interfere with mobility aids, vehicles, or city trees.
Why it matters (local): Victoria’s guidelines require a clear area along the curb and no soil piled around tree trunks.
IslandEarth example: For a multi-unit property, we added a 60 cm gravel buffer along the curb and pruned plants to maintain sightlines.
5. Why Boulevard Conditions Are Tough in Victoria
What it is: Boulevard strips face heat, drought, salt spray, clay soil, and foot traffic.
Why it matters (local): Victoria’s dry summers (CRD Stage 1 watering rules), winter salt, and coastal winds mean sensitive plants fail quickly.
IslandEarth example: We installed sedum, wild strawberry, and native grasses on a Fairfield boulevard that struggled with drought and salt from passing traffic.
6. Plants That Survive Boulevard Conditions
What it is: A curated list of plants that thrive in dry, coastal, salt-prone boulevard settings in Zone 9b.
Why it matters (local): Picking the right plants reduces watering needs and keeps your garden low-maintenance.
Table: Drought- & Salt-Tough Boulevard Plants
| Plant | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Full sun, dry soil | Classic Victoria boulevard favourite. |
| Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ | Sun, drought | Handles heat & road salt. |
| Wild Strawberry | Sun/part shade | Groundcover, tough & low-growing. |
| Little Bluestem Grass | Full sun | Native; survives drought. |
| Sea Thrift (Armeria) | Coastal, dry | Great for areas with salt spray. |
| Butterfly Milkweed | Sun, poor soil | Pollinator-friendly and drought-hardy. |
Alt-text suggestions:
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“Lavender thriving in a sunny boulevard garden in Victoria BC.”
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“Little Bluestem native grass planted along a city curb in Zone 9b.”
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“Sedum cluster growing in a dry, coastal boulevard strip on Vancouver Island.”
7. How to Install a Boulevard Garden
What it is: The basic steps: locate utilities, remove turf, prepare soil, plant, and maintain.
Why it matters (local): Victoria requires safe access and tidy maintenance.
IslandEarth example: We always start with BC One Call to mark utilities, then loosen clay soil with compost and sand before planting drought-tolerant species.
8. Maintenance Requirements
What it is: Regular pruning, watering during establishment, clearing debris, and keeping walkways open.
Why it matters (local): Homeowners must maintain any boulevard garden they install.
IslandEarth example: Our annual boulevard refresh includes mulch top-up, pruning, and clearing paths for pedestrian safety.
Mini FAQ
Do I need a permit?
No, but you must follow Victoria’s guidelines.
Can I sell produce?
No — selling produce from boulevard gardens is not permitted.
Can I plant near city trees?
Yes, but keep soil and mulch away from the base and avoid damaging roots.
What plants should I avoid?
Avoid invasive species, shrubs over 1m tall, or anything that blocks pedestrian access.
Quick Checklist
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Review Victoria’s Boulevard Gardening Guidelines.
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Call BC One Call before digging.
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Keep a 60 cm clear path along the curb.
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Choose drought- and salt-tolerant plants.
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Prepare clay soil with compost/sand.
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Maintain regularly.
IslandEarth CTA:
IslandEarth can design or maintain a compliant, drought-tough boulevard garden for your property. Free site check available in Greater Victoria.
Summary
In Victoria, you’re allowed to garden your boulevard as long as you follow the City of Victoria’s safety and access rules. Boulevard strips face tough conditions — heat, drought, clay soil, and road salt — so choosing hardy, low-water plants is key. With the right preparation and plant list, your boulevard can become a low-maintenance, attractive feature. IslandEarth can help you install a boulevard garden that meets city rules and thrives in local conditions.