We have an area by the side of the road that is under a maple tree, lots of shade- even periwinkle didn't do well- that gets road salt as well. What would work there? Ivy was one thought and hosta, although neither one looks very nice a lot of the year. I'm not concerned with flowering, just don't want to mow grass under the tree. Thanks.

What about some of the beach plants like see thrift? Don't know about their light requirement and road salt may be asking a bit much of them. What about a solid edging say about 8 inches tall. That should stop a great deal of the road salt from comming into the flower bed and give you a better chance of growing some nice plants in that area.

* * * *

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll try both ivy and hosta and see what happens. We have junipers, but they stop under the tree. It's a small area, but steep. Not only do we get salt, but gravel, cinders etc.,whatever the county has that will give traction. First I have to get rid of the grass. I think I'll do the newspaper with mulch on top to keep out the grass, then put the hosta and ivy in it. We'll see. N.