I own this 1 ft wide, 30 ft long strip between my driveway and the neighbor’s property. It’s steeply angled the whole length due to my pavement being higher than the neighbor’s yard. Grass turf would be difficult and awkward to trim in this location. I would prefer to plant something native and perennial that won’t invade the neighbor’s lawn. Ideas so far is dwarf ornamental grasses (likely not native), sun tolerant hostas (not native), maybe coneflower. Any ideas?? Midwest US Zone 5, dryish soil and sunny with some late afternoon shade.
I like the sedge idea, but maybe mix in joe-pye weed for some color and maybe butterfly action and new jersey tea (ceanothua americanus) for a low maintenance shrubbery and more butterflies. The shrubs may need some pruning to stay narrow, but probably a twice-yearly thing, they aren’t crazy.
Oh I see there’s some dwarf Joe Pye that would look great with sedge! Maybe some milkweed also?
For sure!
If you like the look of long grass, try a sedge. It’s native, looks nice, and you can find a variety that grows in those conditions. If some spreads to the neighbor’s yard, it will just get mown down.
Land mines.
Land mines.
Landmines?
Depending on the neighbor, I guess.
Low bush blueberries could do well there, unless its super steep. They stay low, only get about a foot tall and wide. They have great white flowers in the spring, blue-green foilage in the summer, plus edible fruit native birds love, and gorgeous fall color.
They do like acidic soil, so mulch with pine needles/wood.
I love this idea. I had no idea blueberry bushes could stay so small. Thanks!
You have to get a low bush variety, theres half-hybrids that get 3-4 ft tall, and High bushes that get 6-12 ft tall.
The acidic soil requirements are pretty stringent (PH 4.5-5.5), so I avoid watering with tap water (most tap water is alkaline), and I would test your soil before planting.
Have you considered rocks?
I’m nervous of the maintenance of rock. I know that sounds silly because rocks lol but I have several large leafy trees and the little rock area I have now always gets matted with leaves no matter how hard I try to keep them out!
Sisyrinchium albidum?
Oh that is very pretty! I’m worried my area might be too dry for this plant. Only way to find out is to try it!
Prairie Blue Eyed Grass is listed to grow down to dry. It should work in your spot
We have a small strip between our garage and ally that is similar size so we don’t have to deal with spread. We have done lots of different flowers from Prairie Moon. We have brown eyed susans, purple prairie clover, partridge pea, smooth asters, pussie toes. Most we just planted so we will see how it looks in a few years when they are all established. So you can go with a mix.
However, if you want to keep things small take a look at Flawn which sells flower lawn replacements. We’ve had white Dutch clover for a few years in the grass which we love. We’re seeding self heal now so we will see how it looks in the spring
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Native plants, surround with small rocks, make a garden
That or decrotative rocks.
