My boulevard is ever changing. It is a spot for trying out new plants and moving plants to when I divide things. I have found that so far I like iris there, day lilies, little blue stem grass (it always looks nice), Autumn Joy Sedum and Black Eyed Susan. Most of which really don't meet your criteria. The Little Blue Stem and Autumn Joy are the only ones that sort of do. You could check out Prairie Moon Nursery they have all natives, their search engine will tell you color, height, and season of bloom to help you choose. Their seeds and bare root plants are great.

Here is a link that might be useful: Prairie Moon Nursery.

Thanks for the link and the info, Zenpotter. So, if it were you, you would plant perennials and not go the sod route?

Anybody else with opinions or ideas for me?

Thanks!

Hey there! I was in a similar situation a few years ago and did a full perennial garden. I suggest using plants that are salt and drought-tolerant as I find the city of Mpls sometimes went overboard with both. So look at perennials whose common names include "sea" for some good examples. Those all did as well as could be hoped in that rough patch--sea thrift, sea lavender, etc. My beloved catmint does well, as do other toughies like artemisia (another sand/salt tolerant plant) and daylilies. If a plant has grey fuzz, it likely will do well there.

I just thought it looked much nicer than the sorry scrubby grass/weeds, especially once I'd taken out my front lawn for a garden. Hope that helps! Erin

Thanks for the advice Erin, another vote for perennials!