Not much to add to the discussion other than to say that the main (ie ornamental and relaxing) part of my garden faces due north and the half nearest the house is in deep shade for at least 4 months of the year
I grow all the usual cottage suspects and have never had a problem. My soil is heavy and gets quite sticky over the winter so I put things which need a bit more drainage (such as penstemons & pinks) away from the house so they get a bit more sun in the autumn and spring.
One thing I would advise is to consider carefully which material you are going to use for your central path. Shaded, damp, north facing paths become wet & muddy & are ripe for moss and algae growth. They can become lethally slippery in the winter. I am about to replace the paving along the back of my house with shingle for this reason.
I would suggest something like shingle or pebbles - or bricks widely spaced with shingle between - just something with a bit of grip
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
It is good to hear other people who are in the same situation. Can you suggest any plants that do particularly well in your garden topbird? Is it possible to get some photos? It is always good to get inspiration
I'd agree with T'bird about using shingle/ gravel for a shady area. Much safer.
I have gravel paths in the back garden here although it's a mix of sun and shade. It's important not to have too many different types of hard landscaping so that the space is unified. The general rule is no more than three, and keep them similar in colour.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Im was thinking gravel however we get a lot of leaves from the wood at the back and im thinking trying to sweep them off gravel will be a pain. All the other paths in the garden are concrete with large aggregate mixed in which seems to give some grip. That path will also be used heavily so maybe gravel will get tracked around.
Off the top of my head I can think there are brunnera, primulas, hostas, aquilegia, many different hardy geraniums, hesperis, coreopsis, foxgloves, knautia, nepeta, lavender, californian poppies, several different forms of campanula, nasturtiums, fennel, salvias, various annuals, geums, roses, choisya, philadelphus, fruit trees, raspberries, currants, evergreen and deciduous shrubs and quite a few more!
As you can see I don't make too many allowances for the garden facing north. Some of these plants would, ideally, have a sunnier site but they are all fine. I have a few plants (lupins, pinks, delphiniums and penstemon are some) which I try to plant in the areas with the best drainage and / or the most sun but even some of those stray into the shadiest bits.
Re leaves on gravel. We have a large gravel drive & 2 huge mature trees which produce loads of leaves. A spring tine lawn rake makes short work of raking the leaves into piles. I find it easier than raking them on the lawn.
Enjoy your planting!
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
Thought it would be good to follow on from my post. Its not quite the full, lush and blowsy cottage garden I am looking for but it is early days (years). The marigolds and foxgloves are both grown by me from seed . I've managed to plant some geraniums (Wargrave) and lady's mantle however it is proving expensive to buy enough to fill the borders. any tips or constructive criticism is appreciated !!
This has been very helpful,as I am planning a scheme for a neighbour's north/north east facing raised bed. In spite of the direction,it is pretty light as his garden is quite large (although no sun on this bed in winter obviously ).
He is not a keen gardener and not in the best of health,but likes pottering.I just wondered if anyone had any other suggestions - I am trying to get something to look at all year round ideally.
There are lots to choose from when it comes to the situation. A more dramatic look, Fatsia Japonica, the castor oil plant. Large glossy palm-like leaves and trouble free. Witch hazels also do well in the situation. Hamamelis Barmstedt Intermedia will lift the areas in early spring.
A dramatic plant that many will regard a tree, Garrya Elliptica 'James Roof' will tower above. Tassels will gleam in the winter months, and the tassels persist right through to summer in many places. Staples like Skimmias, Rhamnus Alaternus and Viburnum Davidii have their place. Fuschia Mrs Popple will also do well.
Posts
Not much to add to the discussion other than to say that the main (ie ornamental and relaxing) part of my garden faces due north and the half nearest the house is in deep shade for at least 4 months of the year
I grow all the usual cottage suspects and have never had a problem. My soil is heavy and gets quite sticky over the winter so I put things which need a bit more drainage (such as penstemons & pinks) away from the house so they get a bit more sun in the autumn and spring.
One thing I would advise is to consider carefully which material you are going to use for your central path. Shaded, damp, north facing paths become wet & muddy & are ripe for moss and algae growth. They can become lethally slippery in the winter. I am about to replace the paving along the back of my house with shingle for this reason.
I would suggest something like shingle or pebbles - or bricks widely spaced with shingle between - just something with a bit of grip
It is good to hear other people who are in the same situation. Can you suggest any plants that do particularly well in your garden topbird? Is it possible to get some photos? It is always good to get inspiration
I'd agree with T'bird about using shingle/ gravel for a shady area. Much safer.
I have gravel paths in the back garden here although it's a mix of sun and shade. It's important not to have too many different types of hard landscaping so that the space is unified. The general rule is no more than three, and keep them similar in colour.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
As you can see I don't make too many allowances for the garden facing north. Some of these plants would, ideally, have a sunnier site but they are all fine. I have a few plants (lupins, pinks, delphiniums and penstemon are some) which I try to plant in the areas with the best drainage and / or the most sun but even some of those stray into the shadiest bits.
Re leaves on gravel. We have a large gravel drive & 2 huge mature trees which produce loads of leaves. A spring tine lawn rake makes short work of raking the leaves into piles. I find it easier than raking them on the lawn.
Enjoy your planting!
Thought it would be good to follow on from my post. Its not quite the full, lush and blowsy cottage garden I am looking for but it is early days (years). The marigolds and foxgloves are both grown by me from seed
. I've managed to plant some geraniums (Wargrave) and lady's mantle however it is proving expensive to buy enough to fill the borders. any tips or constructive criticism is appreciated !! 
This has been very helpful,as I am planning a scheme for a neighbour's north/north east facing raised bed. In spite of the direction,it is pretty light as his garden is quite large (although no sun on this bed in winter obviously ).
He is not a keen gardener and not in the best of health,but likes pottering.I just wondered if anyone had any other suggestions - I am trying to get something to look at all year round ideally.
Many thanks
Do you know what type of soil? Shrubs are a good basis to start on if it's low maintenance.
Have only had a quick look, but it seems well drained. Any ideas re: shrubs Borderline?
There are lots to choose from when it comes to the situation. A more dramatic look, Fatsia Japonica, the castor oil plant. Large glossy palm-like leaves and trouble free. Witch hazels also do well in the situation. Hamamelis Barmstedt Intermedia will lift the areas in early spring.
A dramatic plant that many will regard a tree, Garrya Elliptica 'James Roof' will tower above. Tassels will gleam in the winter months, and the tassels persist right through to summer in many places. Staples like Skimmias, Rhamnus Alaternus and Viburnum Davidii have their place. Fuschia Mrs Popple will also do well.
Last edited: 08 July 2017 19:33:46