I have an area that receives a lot of sun and gets dry easily, where the grass is mostly gone. I would like to plant this area with creeping thyme (mother of thyme). However there are many roots very close to the surface -- presumably from the magnolia on one side of the yard. Can I simply dig small holes at 1' intervals and plant the creeping thymes and expect it to do well -- flower and grow dense-- even though it will have to compete with the magnolia roots? Or will die because of the competition?

Also, can creeping thyme take driveway salt in the winter? A second snow fall is bound to have some salt in it when I use a snow blower and I would like to know if it would damage the thyme significantly.

Thanks a lot.