Lots of stuff suitable for a shady spot, so it depends on the look you like, temperature variations, soil condition and how much time you want to spend etc The oakleaf hydrangeas are great, and tolerate more sun and drier soil than many of the others, so that might suit you very well. Low maintenance too. The big bonus is the foliage colour in autumn. The white flowers also tend to be white - not coloured with shades of blue, green or pink like many whites. Another reason I like them, as I really don't like that colouring. Mine are around 4 or 5 feet in each direction now.
These are really nice. I will take a look for my shade bed.
@Obelixx Hello, I have a quick question.... I cannot find any horse manure in the garden centres, they told me they only sell it in autumn and spring. There are a lot of stables round here and someone said I can go and collect some from one, is that the same? Will it still work or does it have to be very rotted down? Sorry I just have no idea how it works! Thank you again 😊😊
You can certainly get fresh stuff, but you'll need to store it somewhere, and let it rot down before using it - around 6 months or so. If you're using it for a new bed, you can lay it on top and then leave it over winter. It would be ready to plant up in spring.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
You can certainly get fresh stuff, but you'll need to store it somewhere, and let it rot down before using it - around 6 months or so. If you're using it for a new bed, you can lay it on top and then leave it over winter. It would be ready to plant up in spring.
Thanks fairy girl. I really wanted to start planting in September... is there anything else I can do? (I've got lots of compost) or do you think it's really better to wait until spring? I guess maybe I should be patient 😅
It's always better to get the soil in good condition before planting. Much easier to get plants if any kind to thrive. Compost is fine to add to beds and borders, but doesn't have the heart and sustenance that manure provides. It depends on what you intend planting though. Adding a mulch every so often will help though.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Divide and conquer is a great technique to improve any shady backyard. Among a mass of hostas and other foliage plants, a paver walkway offers a feeling of purpose and destination.
@English_girl_in_France ask at local stables to see if they have any old manure you could take. Two years old is best but definitely not fresh.
Alternatively, put an order in with the local retail suppliers so you can pick some up as soon as it arrives in their shops and get it laid down on your border. You'll still have plenty of time to spread it across that bed and get your plants in before the autumn frosts and winter snows.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Posts
Hello, I have a quick question....
I cannot find any horse manure in the garden centres, they told me they only sell it in autumn and spring. There are a lot of stables round here and someone said I can go and collect some from one, is that the same? Will it still work or does it have to be very rotted down? Sorry I just have no idea how it works! Thank you again 😊😊
If you're using it for a new bed, you can lay it on top and then leave it over winter. It would be ready to plant up in spring.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Compost is fine to add to beds and borders, but doesn't have the heart and sustenance that manure provides. It depends on what you intend planting though. Adding a mulch every so often will help though.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
It's a standard border - not a backyard.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Alternatively, put an order in with the local retail suppliers so you can pick some up as soon as it arrives in their shops and get it laid down on your border. You'll still have plenty of time to spread it across that bed and get your plants in before the autumn frosts and winter snows.