Can I just add that contrast in leaf size and shape will look better than selecting small leaved plants only. When I look at my garden I appreciate the leaves of hellebores, brunnera and phlomis that contrast with smaller leaved perennials and grasses.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
A nice little plant that's just starting to flower now is saxifraga Rubrifiolia. It burns in hot sun, and can get frost damaged early on, but recovers. Rounded leaves, quite red on the reverse.. Ideal for shade. The photo was taken this time last year, but this year flowering is delayed, I think due to the long dry spells in spring and summer.
..that little area of shade wouldn't concern me at all and I would just plant whatever I wanted to grow.. it's when you have overhanding trees and large shrubs that it becomes more of an issue... open shade is not something I consider a problem and I grow sun lovers in such a location.. I don't like Hostas and noted shade loving plants too much, so they're out..
I'm allowing for the fact you're in East Anglia, as I am.. it's very bright here most of the time..
..that little area of shade wouldn't concern me at all and I would just plant whatever I wanted to grow.. it's when you have overhanding trees and large shrubs that it becomes more of an issue... open shade is not something I consider a problem and I grow sun lovers in such a location.. I don't like Hostas and noted shade loving plants too much, so they're out..
I'm allowing for the fact you're in East Anglia, as I am.. it's very bright here most of the time..
Yes, the weather here is very mild. I might well follow your advice and try out some of my salvias in this spot. As I've mentioned, my 'royal bumble' did fantastically well. I've mixed a ton of manure and home made compost to the clay soil so they'll have plenty to feed on. Thanks
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I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The photo was taken this time last year, but this year flowering is delayed, I think due to the long dry spells in spring and summer.
I don't like Hostas and noted shade loving plants too much, so they're out..
I'm allowing for the fact you're in East Anglia, as I am.. it's very bright here most of the time..