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Help with plant selection on my island #875328

Asked June 30, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT

I moved into a new build with an island in my circular driveway. There is sand there. There is a water hydrant, yard light and a well there. I am looking to plant low spreading evergreen bushes or ground cover. Junipers give me terrible rash - so no junipers! I like holly bushes and mini mugo pines? The black circle is a free trampoline bed and there will just be mulch over that area. I want no maintenance spreaders that are native with more shallow roots that can fill in around my boulders. Just want them to be low as to not block the boulders. I am in Oak Grove along the Rum River. I have relocated from CO, and need advice on what grows best here. I also need advice on what native grass is suggested for alongside the driveway. The covenants want grass (they don't say LAWN) - but I would like a no mow native type. Does that come in a roll out carpet mat like they use along highways? Seeding that would be so expensive and take me forever.

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

The following website can help with acclimating you to Minnesota growing conditions.  A visit to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will show plants that are good for MN growing conditions.
1. https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/landscape-design
2. https://arb.umn.edu/
MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 01, 2024, 3:43 PM EDT

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