NEW GARDEN

Ok so where sdo i start? :confused:

This particular part is surrounded by a 7 ft (i think) hedge so doesn't get much light.

Any idea's on shade loving perennials and/or bushes and climbers, basically anything that will grow. Have been trying for 6 years and about to throw a few ground sheets over the area and deny it's existence

 

Hiya Accidentalgardener
Because the hedge will make the ground near it very dry you will have to improve the soils mositure-retaining properties by digging in plenty of manure and stuff like that.

The following plants are shade tolerate to some degree, Some herbaceous plants you can try are; Acanthus, Aconitum,Ajuga (see picture)

Alchemilla, Astilbe,Hosta.

Bulbs;Cyclamen,Endymion.
Shrubs;Camellia,Euonymus,Gaultheria,Pernettya.
Also you could try ferns and any native woodland plants.
Helen.xxx.

 

Cheers Helen,

Lovely pics by the way.

Ground sheets going back in hubbys van me thinks :D

 

Helen which ajuga is in you pic?

 

Thanks AG I managed to catch a strange rainless moment the other day!


Hi mef750 it's called Ajuga reptans Burgundy Glow, it is a smashing evergreen plant so as well as being a lovely spreader it really does make it great value for money.

I have a wonderful cream coloured Ajuga as well only brought it this year so it's a baby...but wait until next year! :eek: Helen.xxx.

 

I love the Ajuga picture Helen,i think i'll have to put that on a list to buy.

 

Hi Helen, I love that ajuga too, and have tried several times to get one going, but every time the slugs get it. :( Yours looks alovely plant!
I have the plain burgundy one running riot!

 

I have 3 Ajuga's,

one gets sun until 10am then deep shade and is very happy
the second is in full sun and although the slugs have a go the plant wins every time! Wonderful blue flowerspikes this year, getting a little invasive so I'll give it a little trim..
the third I put at the back of the alpines (as a backdrop) and the slugs have killed that one off. I think my toads are on a diet or something.

Don't know why I didn't think about using it for cover in shade - thanks for the idea! I assume I can just take some of the trimmings from one of the others as it seems to root itself?

 

Thanks mackem I'm sure you will find a spot for this wonderful plant.

Sorry to hear about the slugs loving this plant too much Liz, it's really strange my garden slugs/snails don't seem to bother with my ajuga's at all and BOY do I have a slug/snail problem....At night it's like the sluggie equivalent of Hoodies in our garden we can't get rid of the little critters! :eek:

Hi there Oogie Boogie just look around the edges of your plant and you will see some of it has started to grow roots, tease them up and re-plant.
I'ave taken another good sized plant from the one above before I took the picture it sure is happy where it is!
Helen.xxx.

 

Thanks Helen, I'll give it a go.

 

Hi Helen,

I have bought three of these beautys' your pics just did the job for me. Have planted them in front of the Cordyline spaced a bit of course, it's next to the blue grass and near the purple fountain grass, not sure if the mixture will work but hey experimenting is good :D

 

Hi Paula
I'm sure your Ajuga will be fine and even if the colours don't go together what the heck, you'll still enjoy it!
Helen.xxx.

 

accidentalgardener, Hostas, do well in our garden under large conifers, also ferns.

 

Keving,

Only one thing i can say "what a beauty" :D

 

accidentalgardener, thanks, so why not give them a go?