At the top of our driveway, there is a spot with a few large rocks beginning to surface. I hit them with the lawnmower constantly. I want to plant something around them that can survive being run over by the snow plow every winter. It is a part shade area, so I know something like hostas would work well, but I'm looking for something with more height to it. Any thoughts? Also, I'm in zone 4.

Would hardy geranium or lemon balm fit the bill?

I think a geranium would look nice! Do you think it would survive getting run over in the winter? My father in law has a tendency to plow half our yard when doing the driveway lol!

I suppose it depends on how often it happens. I can cut mine down (normall with shears) and it will grow back, but it's quite well established. It might be best to request some off of one of Gumtree or Freecycle type groups before spending money on a new plant.

As long as your father in law doesn't scrape the soil surface off too much, any hardy plant that winters below ground could work. Something like daylilies for example, preferably a deciduous type to be sure it has retreated underground. They like the sun but will grow and bloom in part-shade as long as they get sun for a few hours.

If you don't mind my suggesting it, have you tried putting up some of those bright orange stakes with reflectors on them so that your DFIL won't plow past them? They work quite well if you put several of them close together and don't cost very much. They come in varying heights and you can buy them for less at a box store.

It'd be very nice to have something growing there too so you don't have to mow when there's no snow.