What is best to plant in an area that gets extensive morning and afternoon sun?

MML Staff_Erin H EXPERT February 09, 2009

You actually have many heat-loving choices -- the narrowness of the strip is more a concern. The nice thing about such a spot is that you can plant invasive yet pretty plants, such as catmint or ribbongrass, because they're contained.

Among perennials, consider combining irises and daylilies, to extend your bloom season, as well as ornamental grasses. For annuals, try Madagascar periwinkle ("I like to move it, move it!") and the fail-proof standbys everyone grows, such as petunia.

You could also grow herbs there; many are native to mediterranean regions and thus like heat and crummy soil.

As for the rain pounding the area, mulch the soil to protect it from erosion and to keep plants clean. To keep the mulch from bouncing onto the sidewalk, use soemthing like shredded cypress that tends to knit together and install a flat metal edging raised an inch or two above the level of the sidewalk.

Several good books about gardening in difficult places are available, including The Undaunted Garden by Lauren Springer; Easy Plants for Difficult Places by Geoffrey Smith; and Taylor's weekend Gardening Guide to Plants for Problem Places.