Native ground cover for space between sidewalk and street - Ask Extension
Hi there,
Last year I decided I was tired of weed wacking the grass between the street and the sidewalk at property that I rent. So, I dug up all the...
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Native ground cover for space between sidewalk and street #866975
Asked May 03, 2024, 11:36 PM EDT
Hi there,
Last year I decided I was tired of weed wacking the grass between the street and the sidewalk at property that I rent. So, I dug up all the grass and tossed some clover seeds down hoping that would help. Sadly I created a bit of a disaster, because this spring the area was completely covered in Star of Bethlehem. I went to dig it all up but it was just too difficult. So, any suggestions what I should do now? Someone suggested liriope because it would stay green all winter, but I don't think that's native. Any suggestions you have for me would be greatly appreciated!
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Well that's an unfortunate development, totally not of your making- that is, that what you thought was grass turned out to be invasive Star-of-Bethlehem. It can be a challenging plant to get rid of as you are seeing.
Given that it is a tough, long-lasting perennial with lots of energy stored up in those bulbs, we'd recommend controlling them before planting anything else.
Who actually owns said "hell strip"? The city?
Do you think they might control it chemically for you? It couldn't hurt to ask.
(We can't recommend that you do this without their permission).
Once you get control there are natives you might try, depending on site conditions there- as in how much sun it gets, whether the soil drains well/is dry/is wet, etc.
Here is our Groundcovers page:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/groundcovers/
Here is our page on Star-of Bethlehem:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/star-bethlehem/
Christine
Given that it is a tough, long-lasting perennial with lots of energy stored up in those bulbs, we'd recommend controlling them before planting anything else.
Who actually owns said "hell strip"? The city?
Do you think they might control it chemically for you? It couldn't hurt to ask.
(We can't recommend that you do this without their permission).
Once you get control there are natives you might try, depending on site conditions there- as in how much sun it gets, whether the soil drains well/is dry/is wet, etc.
Here is our Groundcovers page:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/groundcovers/
Here is our page on Star-of Bethlehem:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/star-bethlehem/
Christine
