Damp area ideas needed

I'm ashamed to admit this, but I have got a mental blank (probably from thinking about it so much) and need inspiration. I've been developing a dappled shady area of the garden that gets quite damp in winter (like now!) - I've got a Cornus there, a few ferns and the ubiquitous willow tree, plus a few logs for any wildlife that might like to lurk under them (there are several frogs in the garden).

So...now a bit stuck. Any ideas for me - nothing that will take up a huge amount of room and it needs to be slug proof, so that's hostas out (shame, as they'd be perfect).

Ta

 

Marlwey Farley's said it all!:thumb:

Chris

 

Cheers - now that you suggested a few ideas, I recognise them as suitable! As I said, brain stopped working for a bit.

Another one I am going for is Astilbe.

 

Pachysandra terminalis is ideal but it does need keeping undercontrol to prevent it spreading too much

 

Another worth considering is Gooseneck loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides). I was given some plants a couple of years ago as thankyou for helping on a friend's garden at Hampton Court. They now grace the shady side of the pond. The flowers are white and make a change from the normal purple loosestrife.

Chris

 

Just googled it and looks very good, although not seen it for sale much. I think another trip over to Perryhill Nurseries in Hatfield is called for!

 

Ah, Perryhill Nurseries!:yho:I bought my wife a Clerodendron trichotomum from there a couple of years ago. At first she referred to it as a very nice twig but last Autumn it came out in all its glory. Unfortunately it's not suitable for the area you've described Aaron, but worth a look if you've got somewhere sunny for a smallish tree. It's quite spectacular as the fruit is a small bright blue drupe framed by a reddish leathery calyx.

Chris

 

Candalabra primulas, they self seed when established so you get a sea if them (there easy no weed out if you dont want that)
Zanedeschia crowburugh(a little slug prone but not too bad)
Ligularia (theres lots of choice now) I think the rocket is the best green leaf and there a lots of great dark leaves ones, desdemona and othello for example. They are really dramatic big but not enourmouse.
Cimicifuga is cracking and I an testify fairly hardy as mine is alive.
If you can hunt one out Salix exigua a really beautiful silver leaved shrub.

 

Cheers.

I had two Ligularia 'Desdemona' last year that got stripped bare by the slugs. Fortunately I was able to rescue the remnants and potted them up - there is fresh growth appearing so I might give them another go once they are big enough to survive a few nibbles.

Just googled Cimicifuga - looks good.

 

I could of course be very cheeky and ask if anyone could spare me a bit of any of them, I'll happily pay the postage costs!

 

You're very kind :luv:

The Valerian you sent me last year has survived and is showing signs of life I'm pleased to report.

 

I forgot, something else I have in that area is a Meadowsweet, Filipendula. I think there are signs of it reappearing.