Last week I received an Ask Chris email from a gardener wanting to know

what to do with the strip of ground between curb and sidewalk in the front

of his house.

 

Traditionally this area is covered with turf grass. However with its

location next to the concrete curb, pavement and sidewalk, it is a harsh

environment for just about anything to grow in. It’s just about the hottest

and driest part of the landscape.

 

With water restrictions and new irrigation laws in effect (such as no

overspray on hardscapes),  grass stands little chance of survival. My plan

would be first to remove the grass.

 

Next add some compost to the native soil, and plant low-growing, water-

wise native and, adaptive species. As usual it’s a good idea to consult a

copy of the Native and Adapted Landscape Plants for a myriad of

suggestions. (This booklet is free at It's About Thyme.)

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Always keep in mind the mature sizes of plants. Since this new bed is

bordered by street and sidewalk, large, overhanging plants would create

traffic problems on both sides. Only choose thorny plants if they’re dwarf

 and are kept in the center.

 

This area can be planted sparsely and retain an appealing look. Pick plants

with  an interesting architecture. Their looks can be enhanced by mulching

with decomposed granite or colorful gravels. There is even a mulch of

tumbled glass (no sharp edges) that can add greatly to your curb appeal.

 

Another idea is to define planting areas by adding a faux riverbed of

colored river stone. This can snake and serpentine its way between curb

and sidewalk with pocket planting throughout.

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My favorite small plants with great architectural form are Queen Victoria

agave, artichoke agave, and red yucca. These three can form the evergreen

backbone of the planting, with additional low-growing flowers placed

between and around them…  such as blackfoot daisy, four nerve daisy,

pink skullcap, purple coneflower, weeping lantana, homestead verbena,

cedar sage, green and grey santolena, and bulbine.

 

There are also some lovely culinary herbs would also perform well in

this area: creeping rosemary, sage, Greek oregano, chives, thyme, and

Mexican mint marigold. Please come by my nursery for a visit! We have

a display garden showing how these plants mature and how the riverbed

defines planting areas.

                                                             Happy gardening everyone!