What is a nature strip?

In the suburbs of Australia we have "nature strips", called "grass/y verges" in some states, in U.S. I think they are referred to as "tree lawns". Americans always have the simplest term. I think "nature strip" is a bit pretentious.

 There is a delightful tradition in our area of leaving old timber or lopped boughs on this area with a "Free Fire Wood" sign. Now that's being a good neighbour.

This shot was taken in the middle of a hot Melbourne summer, hence the browned-off grass. It is a hassle to mow the lawn (some folks put in flower beds or rockeries, depending on how lenient the local council is) but I wouldn't like to do without my "nature strip". A true suburban icon.