Hi, everyone. I am really glad I have found this forum. Please help me out on my this little problem: I have an area about 12X30ft at the bottom of a slope where I have to descend 30 some stairs to access. I would like it to have a lawn-like feel --to provide a breathing space for the flower beds on the four sides of the area. But I cannot not get the mower down there. The area is rather level and got about 4 hrs of sun (facing east, zone 4). What are my best choices?

With some stepping slabs, I was thinking of Phlox stolonifera because I read that they are more shade tolerant and have a better summer appearance. But I have never actually seem them. Do you have any experience with them? Where could I buy them, in the twin cites metro in MN?

I do have Phlox Subulata. In my yard they bloom pretty in sunny sites and sporadically in shady sites. But always the low mat of green mass neverthelss. If I cannot buy Phlox Stolonifera, could I use Subulata instead?

Thanks so very much for your generous help.