Border planting ideas surrounding patio

ClematisDbee · Dec 8, 2024

Thankyou, @machtucker I might have a look at SketchUp. I often think the planning stage is one of the most fun. Re the shade, I am in fact needing to prune back some trees and bushes to let in more light. I like them for privacy, but sometimes find a bit more light would be better. Luckily, most garden plants can be pruned satisfactorily especially if started before they get out of hand. (Something I haven't quite got right).

machtucker · Dec 11, 2024

fairygirl said: ↑
Whites and pale colours are always good for shadier spots.
It'll also depend on how moist the soil stays and what room there is. I'm not sure which area is the north facing part in your pic.
The more plants you have, the drier it'll tend to get, especially through summer. Having said that, many plants are quite adaptable.
Things like Polemonium [Jacobs Ladder] will give some height, as will Polygonatum [Solomon's Seal] and both like some decent moisture. I grow Hylotelephiums [the new same for Sedum spectabile] in quite shady sites, but they'll tend to lean a bit more. If there's enough room, you can always have something woodier in front of them though. They don't tend to get so big and lax here, because they don't get in to growth so early, but you can cut them back to keep them sturdier. Chelsea Chop is ideal for them. Foxgloves and Dicentras are also good. Fuchsias - there are hardy ones as well as the annual types. Sarcococca is fine in quite a lot of shade.
You can also have clematis - many are perfectly happy in shadier spots, and cotoneasters don't mind quite a lot of shade. You can get evergreen ones which are happy to be wall/fence trained.
Variegated foliage is also useful for shady sites. There are loads of lower growing plants which are happy in shade - Geraniums [and some of those can be quite tall] Heucheras, Pachysandra etc.

I've also grown Hebes and Phormiums in shadier sites. The flowers will be fewer on the Hebes, but they give interest over winter, so they're useful if you're seeing the area a lot from indoors.
Click to expand...

Thankyou very much for your suggestions, some great ones. I will have a look and play around with some ideas.

Many thanks,

E

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Border planting ideas surrounding patio

ClematisDbee Gardener

machtucker Gardener

Spring border - planting ideas wanted!

Ideas for replanting border please.

Planning and Planting a Border - What Do You Do?

Planting shrubs in heavy clay border?

Help planting first border

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Border planting ideas surrounding patio

ClematisDbee Gardener

machtucker Gardener

Spring border - planting ideas wanted!

Ideas for replanting border please.

Planning and Planting a Border - What Do You Do?

Planting shrubs in heavy clay border?

Help planting first border

Share This Page

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