Considering some of the harsh conditions in shaded areas, gardeners always seem to avoid them for what seems to be the lack of possibilities these places seem to offer, yet there are numerous plants that thrive tremendously in such conditions.

Prime candidates for a location like this would be rhododendrons and azaleas of numerous species, colors and bloom times, Solomon’s seal, hosta, low bush blueberry and various ivy as well, they are perfect specimens to include in the scheme. overview of things. These plants seek the comforts of adequate moisture and cooler temperatures that shaded areas offer during the main growing season.

Come spring, when the trees are still leafless and sunlight is not yet at its peak, shade-loving plant material enjoys the availability of spring sunlight to begin its preparation for growth. . Later, when the trees sprout and begin to cast shade over the area, shade-loving plants appreciate the protection from the warmer temperatures that come when the sun is at its highest and produce stronger heat that tends to burn the tender growth of shade-loving plants.

I would like to spend some time and address some of the advantages of shade gardening, simply put it is a gardener’s dream spot when planted correctly and carefully selected plant material is chosen to fill the area. Simply put, it can be a gardener’s discovery of a whole new world of gardening made available by the hand of nature.

Shade gardens offer some of the most natural environments and thrive willingly with little effort. The right resources are available and with a little imagination, the possibilities are endless.

Humidity is usually much more abundant in these areas and evaporates much more slowly than in sunny places. The only exception is when the summer months are exceptionally dry and harsh, which can dehydrate the tender new growth that many shade plants tend to have.

A special adherence to this condition would be attention to regular watering to prevent growth problems or wilting. Prime examples would be Hosta, Solomon’s Seal, Lowbush Blueberry, Columbine, Japanese Iris, and Water Iris. They all thrive in the rich, moist organic soils of forests and shady areas, so watering is essential during the hotter summer months.

These plants seem to fend for themselves quite well when cared for properly, however, some known diseases associated with high moisture content can cause some problems, so overwatering should be avoided at all costs.

Various root rots in Iris and Powdery Mildew enjoy the moisture levels offered by these shady areas and for some reason the plant material that grows so well here can also succumb to a wide influx of such diseases if present. It is important, and by all means, to keep a good supply of chemical or organic fungicides available to protect your plants from decline.

I have researched some, but by no means least, a list of plant material to consider for enjoying shade gardening.

Listed below are some plant specimens that are well suited to moist, organic shaded areas, especially most ferns.

Listed here are plants that prefer high soil moisture content, just to mention a few, with a little research on your part and a search of the internet, as well as gardening books that focus specifically on shade gardens and the environment. conditions they enjoy.

Moisture loving:

Althaea officicinalis or marshmallow

Aruncus dioicus or goat’s beard

Astilbe spp. or Astilbe

Filipendula ulmara go Queen of the meadow

Japanese Iris and Water Iris

Lobelia siphilitica or Lobelia or Cardinal Flower

Trollius spp. balloon flower

Listed here are plants that have a preference for less moisture. Examples to consider would be for plantings on higher ground, or on slopes or walls that tend to be well drained.

Archilla spp. golden yarrow

Artemisia spp.

Catanache caerulea or Cupid’s dart

Papaver orientalis or common poppy

Santolina chamaecyparissus or Lavender Cotton

What I have researched and listed are just a few examples of shade-loving plants for shady locations. Also, various shrubs and trees enjoy places like these and thrive quite well under the same conditions that I have listed earlier in this article.

Rhododendron Yaku Princess

azalea lemon drops

Blue Berry Ground Cover

epimedium

varieties of cletra

tall blueberry

japanese andromeda

Enkianthis

dog wood,

Tarpon Punch or Service Berry

viburnums

Holly’s of numerous varieties

All rhododendrons and azaleas

(Deciduous azaleas prefer a sunnier location)

Leucothoe

I hope this brief synopsis provides some ideas and solutions for your shadowed areas.

It is no longer necessary to avoid shaded locations. Shaded areas provide a perfect environment for numerous native species, as well as many common cultivars found at many of your local garden centers.

Find reliable sources of information and do some research at the local library or bookstore.

For more information, visit my website at http://www.hortservices.net and complete the questionnaire located on the home page, and I’ll be happy to explain other species and conditions you may have in question. There are many things you can do in the shade garden and some of the loveliest gardens occur in shaded areas in many places around the world.

http://www.hortservices.net or email me at [email protected]

Your humble horticulturist…Chet Stentiford