Any area next to hardscape gets reflected heat. If this area faces south or west that heat will be harder on any plant. This strip is extremely narrow, so most plants would hang over into the street. I do not recommend planting anything here.

If you want to put down gravel, start by removing the existing grass. Lay down a heavy plastic over the soil and fill in with gravel. Tamp down the gravel.

The grass strip will probably be less maintenance in the long haul, and after a while the white gravel will look pretty dirty. Also, please don't direct your grass clippings into the street and let them enter the storm drainage system.

Thanks for the feedback. And no, I swept the clippings away ;)

Gravel or landscape rocks would be fine but I would select a color other than white, something in more natural tones to coordinate with your house / fence color.