by Chris Winslow
I recently received an Ask Chris email from a gardener wanting
to know what to do with the strip of ground between curb and side-
walk 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 is just
about the hottest and driest part of the landscape.
My plan would be to remove the grass. Next add some compost to
the native soil, and plant low-growing, water-wise native and, adap-
tive species. As usual it’s a good idea to consult a copy of the Native
and Adapted Landscape Plants for a myriad of suggestions. (We
have free copies of this fine publication to give away.)
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 bet-
ween curb and sidewalk with pocket planting throughout.
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 black-
foot daisy, four nerve daisy, pink skullcap, purple coneflower, weep-
ing lantana, homestead verbena, cedar sage, green and grey santo-
lena, 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.. Happy gardening everyone! ❦
