[dropcap]I[/dropcap] recently received an Ask Chris email from a gardener wanting to know what to do with the strip of ground between curb and sidewalk in the front of his house.

Traditionally this area is covered with turf grass. However with its location next to the concrete curb, pavement and sidewalk, it is a harsh environment for just about anything to grow in. It’s just about the hottest and driest part of the landscape.

With water restrictions and new irrigation laws in effect (such a...