Very narrow side yards (Ferns, grass, mower, hostas)

[EM1956]

We are buying a new built home in Houston (Katy) with very narrow side yards in the back-- I'm talking probably 4 feet wide by probably 15 feet.

We need some ideas- don't think that grass would be the best solution, but maybe some sort of path with vertical plantings?

[si33]

..if i might ask,..what kind of sun exposure will either of these areas be receiving on a daily basis?..and how does the existing soil look..Both of these factors will play into what you will be able to grow..

[EM1956]

As it's a new build, I think that the house faces northwest, more or less. But since houses are so close on the sides, I would imagine that it will be pretty shady. The soil looks sandy, right now.

[tcs1366]

on my north side, shady... i have a narrow bed, gotta be less than 2'
and it's filled with hostas and ferns, and a smattering of other shade plants.
Woodland Phlox, Astilbes, some vinca and a dwarf bleeding heart.

i wish i would have made the bed wider, but its a small retaining wall and would be a lot of work to redo it. the rest of the width is only 4 mower widths wide... so there really isnt a lot of room.