How To Plan The Perfect Shade Garden
So, you have shade and you've always thought that there is no way you could have a nice, beautiful garden, let alone some perennial color. Oh, but you can.
The first thing to do is evaluate exactly how much shade you have. Is it partial shade, with dapples of light coming through the trees or tall shrubs? Do you have early morning or late afternoon light as the sun dips around the corner of your building? Do you have reflective light off windows or a light colored structure?
Or, is it true shade? Under a tree or cluster of trees? On the north side of your home? Or, a cluster of trees on the north side? That's total shade!
When planting under trees, we have to remember that some trees, particularly evergreens, drop needles that create their own mulch, preventing anything from growing there. So, the best thing is to plant just around the drip line of low hanging trees. Under upright trees, like oaks, fruit trees and maples, you could probably plant closer, but consider the look and total idea of the plan. Also, too much on top of the roots may hamper the growth of the tree itself.
Next, you should think about the soil and water conditions. Is it well drained? Is there enough water? If not, can you extend any irrigation to the area?
How much time would you like to devote to taking care of your garden?
Okay, now that we've done that, the last thing is to decide if you'd like to have a nice green, or variegated, border garden or, if you'd like some color, with flowering perennials or shrubs, there. Would you like to add colorful annuals every year, if that is the hardiness zone you are in?
In the next articles, we'll look at what plants we should plant in the type of shade garden you have.
© Barbara Frerichs
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