The diagram below represents the various planting areas found in a typical greenway.
Note the relationships between planting typologies. In general planting should transition from highest maintenance strategies in high visibility/ high profile areas. Planting should also transition appropriately based on successional growth characteristics, ie. lawn to meadow to savanna to woodland.
- Wildflower or Shrub & Perennial Beds
- Bioretention/Rain Garden Planting
- Turf Shoulder
- High Mow Lawn or Lawn
- Native Grassland
- Woodland/Forest
- Riparian Area/Streambank
As mentioned above, typical planting typologies each have differing levels of maintenance need. High maintenance should always be associated with areas of high visibility/ priority, like at an important gateway to the greenway. Likewise, areas that are away from the greenway trail can be maintained less frequently without compromising the level of service users demand. These areas should be planted with an appropriate strategy.
