Question
I live in Brooklyn, NY (zone 6a I believe) and I struggle with several things: full sun, dogs (with rude owners) and a full-time job. I'd like to plant something at the curb that fills in around our city tree. Since I am not a very good gardener, I need something that won't die right away! I like grasses.  Anything really. As long as it can survive the city streets.

Answer
Hie Jennifer,

Its tough to grow anything large around a city tree, like a shrub.  You can definitely grow perennilas and grondcovers though.  You have to first condition the soil around the trre first before planting anything.  Plants: hosta, epimedium, pachysandra, sweet woodruff.

Bud Christmann