This is a raised bed around a tree on a New York City street (see photo). This area gets plenty of sun especially in the afternoon. Would the tree roots allow anything to grow there? Would be great to add easy-care shrubs with color from either leaves and/or flowers to fill in the area around the tree. Sincerely appreciate your advice.
1) Which shrubs would you recommend for maximum color from leaves or flowers over the longest period of time every year? Hydrangea, Azalea, etc.?
2) Do you recommend adding soil to raise the soft soil level a bit and if so, would it be necessary to place a plastic 6-8 in. barrier ring around the base of the tree trunk to prevent rot there from raised soil?
