What to do with the shady patch?

Hi

I decided to abandon the plans for the veggie plot in the shady corner of the garden. The only things likely to grow in it, will be things neither of us will eat.
Therefore I am currently wondering what on earth to do with it. Our garden is in full sun for most of the day with the exception of a small patch about 2 meters by one meter. There is alcove between the back of our garage and the neighbours which virtually gets no sun at all. I am considering a rockery now any suggestions for what I could use the patch for or for what to grow in the rockery?

Thanks in advance!

 

Hello Lollyb - not sure that a rockery is a good idea since most rockery plants favour a sunlit position, they are mainly plants which grow on open rockfaces.

We have a small area shaded on two sides by walls and a shed in it I am growing azaleas, grasses (miscanthus varieties) and some edging plants. it gets little or no sun all day and every day but the plants look quite happy.

 

Hi Lolly, is this shady patch dry shade or damp shade? That will be a factor in deciding what to grow there.

I have half the garden in shade for more than half the day but it's full and the most colourful at this time of year.

 

Lolly, as Aaron points out, it would be worth knowing if it's dry or damp shade. As a general starting point, think of woodland plants, plants which grow under a tree canopy all do well in shade. I agree with barnaby about a rock garden maybe not being ideal.
Plants with shiney evergreen leaves are usually good in the shade. If you want shrubs, Fatsia japonica, Sarcococca and Mahonias do well. If you want to brighten up the space, how about a golden Elder. As far as smaller plants go, just look up woodland plants and you have lots of choice.

 

Hi LollyB. I agree with Barnaby. Rockery plants will not do well there, they love to be in an open situation with sunshine.
Rhubarb will love it and lettuce might do well.

 

Did this sketch a few years back, you'll only understand if you are a star trek fan.

 

...not curvey enough. I suggest Locutus for one maybe!

 

Its six of one & half a dozen of the other.