That strip between the sidewalk and the street- It's mine!! (flowers, lawns)

[no kudzu]

DH is about ready to put his foot down on how much more of the front yard I can make into flower beds so I have claimed that little strip between the sidewalk and the street.
Now I need suggestions for plants which will meet these criteria:

Deer Resistant
Full sun
Only rain water
not too bushy
tolerates poor soil

Now I know about the usual succulents and I figure they are pretty unappetizing to deer. I know about russian sage, correopsis, fragrant flowers and foliage but I don't want any cacti or mints.
Would the usual herbs get past the deer? Any other suggestions? can't use daylillies,cannas too tall. verbenas spill over into sidewalk. I don't want the HOA on my case. I should be able to think of more but I'm not used to the deer problems I have encountered here. I swear they would eat a plastic flower if given half a chance!!

[zugor]

I had lots of nasturtiums and some St. John's Wort in that strip but it being CA I had to water everything. Don't know what the deer think of them. I know people can eat them.

[Towhee]

I am not sure, but I think in most towns and cities, if the city wants to tear it up they can!

[FLPL75]

Also remember that the heat will be coming from both the street & the sidewalk
I has a problem growing grass at the corner of the driveway & the street so I put in half circle beds

Towhee brings up a good point that part may actually be considered city easement and it there are cable/phone or gas lines and they need service they will have the right to go in
You might want to consider the 1/2 circle beds like I out in that way you might be able to use taller plantings
I have a combo of black eyed susans & day lilies both do really well in dry poor soil

let me see if I have a picture

This is from last summer

[DLK55]

In our area tree lawns are basically city property although I don't know how that works with an HOA. I doubt they have precedent over the city but I'd check to make sure they're okay with you planting there. Some can be picky, I guess.

A lot of people plant in them around here, there are just some restrictions on planting certain trees or shrubs, a list of which can be obtained by request. That's us though.

One thing you might consider mixing in is a low growing evergreen like blue rug juniper. It's deer resistant(Unless they get really, really hungry), low growing and shouldn't take much maintenance once established. With succulents like sedum, you have a variety of upright or spreading types in different sizes and colors.

[33458]

Originally Posted by Towhee

I am not sure, but I think in most towns and cities, if the city wants to tear it up they can!

Yep, the swale is an easement...check w/ the local authorities to make sure you can plant there, what you can plant there...all that. It's yours...but not really.

I think that's a prime spot for shade trees and gardens to match, wish more towns would make use of it...I guess it's just so much easier to rip up the land without any impediments...

I'd like to rip out all the grass from mine and plant roses or something...some day. I have a loooong stretch at the front and side. It does not seem as though we have anyone telling us we can't - most yards have a few shrubs near there or ornate plantings by the mailboxes and streetside utility boxes (normally a no-no).

[33458]

P.S. Coneflower? Too boring? Thinking, thinking...

Hens and Chicks are tough if you want to go low - also, many varieties of decorative (and edible) Aloe besides what we normally see in the HD. I get a few 'unusual' stock nursey catalogs, even found one to try here that can take a real freeze.

[no kudzu]

I know the city can take it but I'm taking my chances. we live in the last house on a dead end road so traffic exhaust is not a major concern. and I would be willing to lug water there to get things started but it is the deer nibbles that I really have to consider.
I have a nice display around the mail box and i'm hoping it can just slowly extend it for the next 100plus feet and nobody will notice. You think?????

I was even thinking of leaving some nicely spaced spots of grass which could be handled with weed eater ( DH ) but when I mow that strip now I'm on a riding lawn mower and I live in fear I'm gonna tumble off the curb. Don't have the upper arm strength to start weed eater and edger and I think flowers would look better and being kinda isolated I don't think too much will be said. neighbors are pleased with my gardening so far so i don't think any one would complain.

[Towhee]

Kudzu, I think it is well worth a try. I just would not put anything there of great value. Grass, groundcovers, and bedding plants, would be my choice.

[citydweller]

Vincas love heat and humidity, give great blooms without much fuss and will self seed after blooming. I am not sure but deer may not like them either which is a bonus.