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Start to my shady flower bed

GunStreetGirlGunStreetGirl Posts: 62
in Garden design
I got some very good and kind advice from you all, for starting to fill my shady side. Here is my effort so far (mainly fern and heuchera) Please point out any glaring errors so I can dig them up tomorrow! I would like a hedge type plant on the side fence, and not sure about the back fence next to holly, none of it gets much direct sun. That's a buddleia at the bottom.

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Do you mean hedge type plant on the left fence? If so, it's just too narrow for that type of planting.

    Depending on whether it gets some sun in summer, you could look into growing something that scrambles and covers the fence. If you have neutral to acidic soil, with a bit of sun in summer, take a look at something like Tropaeolum Speciosum. Can easily be controlled and dies back every year. Can act as a light ground cover and train up the fence. 

    With almost no sun, Euonymus Fortunei can be a nice shrub that is evergreen and can be allowed to scramble/climb the fence.

    In terms of planting style, I would group the Heucheras into a more diamond shape instead of a line near the front. It will give the border a more fluid feel contrasting against the border's edge. 

    Look into plants like Epimediums, Thalictrums and Aquilegias. They offer leaf contrast when not in flower, so extends interest.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think the problem is the size and shape of the border. That narrow section will only take something like a clematis which likes a drier spot, because it's close to the fence. It would stop the fence being so dominant, but it would be better to open out that part to give more scope.
    Some of the plants suggested on your original thread would help avoid everything just being just two heights. Foxgloves, Polemonium, Campanulas, and the Thalictrum and Aquilegias @Borderline has suggested would be ideal. Japanese anemones for later in the year.  Verticals are what's needed.
    Bulbs will help too - many daffs are happy in shady spots, and give some contrast in height. Camassias if there's room, and the ground stays moist enough. Bluebells too. 

    Osmanthus burkwoodii  is also ideal as a shrub for the back. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    If you can,  l would dig out that really narrow bit and make it the same width, or at least very nearly. I know you are trying to add interest with the curve,  but it will give you more of a planting choice and more room for the plant (s) to establish. The plant suggestions above are all good.
    Welcome to the fun of gardening  :)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That's exactly what I'd do @AnniD. It's a very odd shape  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GunStreetGirlGunStreetGirl Posts: 62
    Thanks for the suggestions everyone. There are other reasons for the "odd" shape.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Fair enough  :)
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