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Need some inspiration for a small plot

Hello again!

I've recently cleared a part of my garden where I had a huge overgrown and neglected buddleja. I've popped a shed up and I'm left with approx 3m X 2m space to plant something. It's in dappled shade under a small tree, but gets maybe 1-2 hours of sun almost direct in the morning. 

I'm looking for inspiration. Maybe a shrub and some other suitable flowering below to brighten it all up. Soil is free draining and sandy. 

Love to hear any ideas. I think I've neglected my imagination for too long  :)

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    What sort of tree is it @nickoslester93f3fKIn? That could have a bearing on suggestions, especially if it's evergreen. I'm guessing it isn't though  :)
    I don't have free draining sandy soil, so it's a bit harder to make suggestions, but there are lots of shrubs which aren't too fussy - Potentillas, Spireas and Weigelas for example. All are happy with a mix of sun and shade. White flowering ones are particularly good. I grow white varieties of all those. Philadelphus could be ok if there's enough moisture for them, although they're fairly adaptable too. 
    As for underplanting, you can't go wrong with hardy geraniums and spring bulbs. Then you can add some other summer flowering plants - verticals like Liatris will be fine. Jap. Anemones for late summer into autumn would also be good, and things like Crocosmia and foxgloves. Some Campanulas will also be fine once established, as long as they have adequate moisture to get going. Thalictrum might be fine as well.
    If you want some evergreen ground cover, there are plenty of plants which will be fine - Iberis certainly is, and again - the white flowers are good for that kind of semi shaded site. You could try Hellebore niger, as it doesn't like being too wet. Ajuga will be fine.
    The grass Hakonechloa is also fine for that aspect. Not evergreen, but should cope with lighter soil once established. 
    If you like Euphorbias, they would also be fine in that situation, especially the better behaved evergreen ones. Ferns of various types will also work.
    I'm sure others will have a few more ideas  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Thank you @Fairygirl . It has really given me some food for thought. I'm not really sure what the tree is. It's deciduous, and it bears a blue powdery blossom. 

    Appreciate your input as it gives me a great place to start my thinking from!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It always comes down to your conditions and climate , but all of those are perfectly hardy where I am, and although I have clay soil, it's improved with organic matter to help with drainage, as that's always a problem here because of our climate.
    You may also find that flowering times will vary - our season is a bit shorter than the south, and plants don't start into growth in spring as early as they would there. 
    All the shrubs I mentioned can be pruned too, so they're very easy to maintain.

    It'll give you a starting point anyway. I particularly love my white Spireas [loathe the pink summer ones!] as they're the early argutas, and if given room, they make a very nice fountain of flowers in spring - perfect for lightening shady spots.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I have the same soil as you @nickoslester93f3fKIn, as we both live on the Wirral! That area looks as if it needs something architectural to add extra interest. I have Fatsia japonica and Phormiums growing in a similar situation, underplanted with hardy geraniums as @Fairygirl has suggested. The grass Hakonechloa, is fine in sandy, free draining soil. The variety H. macra aureola looks good in shade as it’s variegated and adds a bit of brightness.  I have a group of it under a large Acer, with some bulbs, Anemone blanda, for spring colour. If you like ferns, Polystichum varieties are easy to grow and are also worth considering. Adding some organic matter to your soil will help them get established.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • I'm basically on top of old sand dunes built on in the 1930s. Free draining almost doesn't describe it! I've been to goredale to stock up on manure!

    I went for a Spiraea as I loved the white flowers. In going to look in to ferns too for the darker part - good call!

    Thanks for all your help!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I have to say your soil doesn't look too light and sandy, but certainly add plenty of organic matter as that benefits that type of soil just as much as it helps clay.  :)
    I realised yesterday when out in the lovely sun - Aquilegias are another good plant. They tolerate all sorts and aren't fussy. Very easy, and good verticals to contrast with anything more rounded. They seed around too. 
    As @Plantminded says - Phormiums are always touted as needing lots of sun, and there's no doubt they enjoy that, But they grow very well in a bit of shade. I should have clarified about the Hakonechloa - I did mean the variegated ones! They're also easy to split when bigger, so more free plants. Any variegated foliage is good for shade, in the same way that white or pale flowers are.
    I'm wondering what your tree is. I thought it could be a Ceanothus, which can certainly get large, but I'm not sure any of those are deciduous. Certainly a possibility. 
    Good luck with it though - look forward to seeing what you do with it all.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I hope the area develops well for you @nickoslester93f3fKIn. Yes, @Fairygirl, Phormiums definitely prefer a sunny location but in this sandy soil here they seem to enjoy quite a bit of shade. The soil will be less dry and I've found that the growth is more compact and copes well in winter. Luckily, a plant that does not lean towards the sun! I've posted some photos on another thread for an ID of one of my Phormiums and am wondering what you think!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • @Plantminded just seen. Looks great. I have just the spot for one or two, especially if they are ok with some shade!

    @Plantminded and @Fairygirl

    Got some fantastic ideas to work with here. Will keep me busy for a few days!

    Will post results as they develop!
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