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Help! What can I plant here.....??

h33nah33na Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi everyone,
I'm totally new to this gardening thing but have really got into it and want to desperately sort out a shaded patch we are having trouble with.

I have a south facing garden with clay soil, but at the back there are two huge trees that provide much needed shade and privacy (London houses are literally built on top of each other!).
The problem area we have is under those trees as nothing grows! I understand that the two trees are zapping up an water but I really want to grow something to hide the ugly fence.
I was thinking of putting some trellis up with some nice (evergreen if possible) climbers but not sure what to try?
We planted lots of spring bulbs around the beds a couple of years ago and every so often will get a an iris or daffodil pop out but only two or three.

We tried planting azaleas in the planter and they grew a bit but didn't flower until we moved them into the beds and they bloomed like crazy!

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

Posts

  • h33nah33na Posts: 4

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Do you mean plants for the planter?
    If so, it would be ones which will cope with dry shade, unless you line it and only have a few drainage holes. Even then, you'd need a good mix in it - soil based. That would give you a bit more scope, as the soil wouldn't dry out so readily. 
    I don't think a trellis and climber in there would be terribly easy. Again, you'd need something that will manage the shade and drier conditions, although some of the early, small flowered clematis might be ok, especially if the trees are deciduous, which looks likely. They would then get enough light to do well. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    Gosh it’s literally under the trees isn’t it . Azalea won’t grow with no sun . You need plants that love shade .Look up shade loving plants and make your choice from what it shows you ,that’s my advice for what it’s worth .
  • h33nah33na Posts: 4
    Thanks for your reply - I should have said, I want plants for the planter AND plants to plant in the actual bed, that will go behind the planter (we can move the blue planter forward, there is about a foot of space behind it.

    Also the planter is already lined :-) 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think you'll struggle to get anything growing well in behind the planter, unless it's planted in it, and grown against the fence. Even then, it won't be easy.

    Azaleas will grow with no sun perfectly well, which is why they're mostly grown in shady sites, but not without sufficient moisture. That will be the biggest problem there.

    We don't really have that level of dry shade here, but some other posters with similar conditions may have plants which will be ok. Many ferns will cope with very dry conditions. That's why I suggested a good heavy soil mix and minimum drainage in the planter to conserve moisture. If you line it again, with fewer holes, that will help.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Bee witchedBee witched Posts: 1,295
    Hi @h33na,

    Have a look at this website for some inspiration .... you will find some plants that enjoy dry shade.

    https://www.plantsforshade.co.uk/

    Bee x
    Gardener and beekeeper in beautiful Scottish Borders  

    A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    I can well understand that you wish to retain the trees for the reasons you mention.  That being said, you are going to be very limited in what will grow there due to the shade and lack of moisture as you have discovered. 
    Not something I would normally recommend as it can be extremely thuggish but Vinca major planted along the fence and trained on horizontal wires may work.  Evergreen with blue flowers.  Alternatively, you could try one of the Ivies - again training up and across.  Both will require moisture and some improvement/preparation of soil before planting.  You won't want to be planting at present given the weather conditions but have a look at both plants and see what you think.
    I'm sure others will have more suggestions so always worth hanging on before you decide :)
  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 4,254
    h33na said:
    [...] I really want to grow something to hide the ugly fence.
    Which "ugly fence" do you mean? Looks like you have a double fence under those trees. Are they both yours or is the one further back shared (or public)? Please explain the situation.
  • h33nah33na Posts: 4
    @Papi Jo - the grey ugly fence is ours, but the taller one behind is the neighbours at the back, they have recently had it put up. 
    Either way - need to cover both ugly fences!
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