Don’t Sleep on the Gangway: Turning Narrow Urban Spaces into Biodiversity Powerhouses

When you think about curb appeal, your mind probably goes to the front porch. Maybe the backyard patio. But let me put a very Chicago idea on your radar: the gangway.

That narrow strip between homes that most people use to stash their garbage bins or completely ignore? It’s got way more potential than you might think. If you're interested in supporting pollinators, soaking up stormwater, and giving your home a little eco-cred, your gangway might just be your secret weapon.

Take it from me. I’m not just a Realtor; I’m a native plant enthusiast with a soft spot for re-wilding, including the tiny, often-overlooked spaces between our beautiful vintage homes. And this week, a monarch butterfly stopped by to remind me why it matters.

Monarchs in the gangway? You bet. 🦋

This garden strip along our gangway started off as the definition of “blah.” Patchy gravel, compacted soil, nothing but desolation and runoff. But today? It’s a pollinator paradise. Butterflies, bees, and even hummingbird moths swing by to snack on native plants like purple coneflowers, Joe-Pye weed, black-eyed Susans, prairie dropseed, and more.

Today’s visitor — a monarch butterfly resting on the coneflowers — was a beautiful reminder that even the smallest slice of land can make a difference.

Beyond beauty: why native plants in your gangway are a power move

We live in a region where heavy rains can turn alleys into rivers and basements into indoor pools. Chicago homes weren’t exactly built with modern stormwater management in mind, and our overburdened sewer systems feel the impact every time.

The solution? Native plants with deep taproots. These MVPs:

• Act like sponges, absorbing rainwater right where it falls
• Stabilize the soil to reduce erosion
• Minimize runoff into storm drains and city sewers
• Help reduce the risk of basement flooding (yes, even in a gangway garden)

What you plant matters, and where you plant it matters too.

Low-maintenance, high-impact gardening

Once established, native plants ask for very little: no fertilizers, minimal watering, and no yearly replanting. They come back stronger each year, creating a resilient garden that supports biodiversity and looks great doing it.

Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about turning a forgettable gangway into a showstopper.

Real estate bonus? You bet.

Whether you’re buying a home in Oak Park, Chicago, or any of the west suburbs, I can help you spot the gangway goldmines. And if you're selling? Thoughtful native landscaping can be a unique selling point for buyers who care about the environment and want low-maintenance beauty.

Let’s give your gangway a glow-up

I’m Laurie Christofano — Realtor, Chicagoland native, and self-appointed butterfly whisperer. Whether you're looking for a home with outdoor potential or want to talk about turning your gangway into a garden, I’m your person.

Your home is more than a roof and four walls. It’s part of an ecosystem. Let’s treat it like one. 🌿🦋

Want more ideas for pollinator-friendly landscaping, stormwater solutions, or homes with room to grow?
📲 Call or text me at 630-248-1976 or email laurie@oprfhomesforsale.com. I’ll help you find — or create — the kind of home you don’t just live in, but feel proud of.