When we decorate a garden, it is compulsory to plant a decorative tree or two. With years, when the tree grows, the sunny position becomes the shady one, so plants planted there slowly wither. It is time to replace them with plants that like shade. To some it seems as though there are no such plant species, but there are, and they are mostly perennials which additionally help in maintaining the shadowy garden. Once you decorate such a garden, it will be a small celestial corner for hot summer days. Plants that we plant in the overshadowed settings are forest plants and forest edge plants, therefore, if you lack the inspiration, take a walk in the woods and borrow few ideas from nature.

An important role in arranging such a garden have also the woody species that are planted, thus trees with deep roots do not interfere with the development of other plants, while plants with shallow  roots, such as birch and walnut, prevent the growth of other plant species. Shadowy garden is easily adapted for flowering in early spring because the first heralds of spring, various bulbs, blossom before the rest of the vegetation, and they won't mind the shadow. As the selection of species and colors is big, make sure to combine something colorful, that will be easy on the eye after gloomy winter. We bring you a few species that put up well with shadow and half-shadow, and beside them you can plant also the Bergen (Bergenia cordifolia), Little hearts (Dicentra spectabilis), Common nettle (Lamium sp.) and Digitalis (Digitalis sp.)

Astilbe (Astilbe sp.)

This bushy perennial, whose height varies depending on the type and varieties, makes a nice decoration for shadowy areas. It likes moist soil and is a good fit with the garden pond. It can thrive also on a sunny spot, in which case it is necessary to provide enough moisture. The beauty of the plant is given by plumose leaves and broom like flowers, which color varies from white to red.

Erodium (Geranium sp.)

Erodium grows up to 70 centimeters in height,  it likes shady but well-drained soil, and is suitable for planting under trees. PH response of soil should be neutral to slightly acidic. Flower color varies from bright red, through purple and blue to white, and its leaves create a dense cover. It is planted in flower beds, and can be used to cover the soil. It blooms throughout the summer if we regularly remove its withered flowers.

Impatiens (Impatiens sp.)

Impatiens is a rare copy of the annual plant that can be used for decoration of flower beds in the shade. Apart from shadows we should provide it with enough moisture. Flowers come in different nuances, from white to dark red. Recently, there is an increased demand on the market for a Impatiens "New Guinea", which is characterized by streaked leaves and even larger flowers. In order to achieve the best possible effect, impatiens should be planted in large groups.

Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas)

Ferns are otherwise known as the only plant species that likes shade and moist soil, so it will fit in well with the garden pond or deep shade. Due to its green, half-folded leaves, it gives the garden a rural touch. You can grow the by spore or just share them.

Heuchera / Palace purple (Heuchera sp.)

This plant belongs also to a group of perennials, and it grows in shady and damp places. It is characterized by round conifer leaves, flowers are small and bump, usually red or pink. After blooming, the withering flowers should be removed, and the plant can be grown by seeds collected in summer months. Due to its rapid expansion the plant is good as a soil cover.

Hosta (Hosta fortunei)

Hosta is adorned with green or shaded large leaves that overlap and thus give the impression of layering. In the summer it is adorned with white or soft purple flowers, which should be removed when they start to wither. It likes the shade and well drained soil, and does not require much attention. It fits well with plants such as astilbe and little hearts.

Hortensia / Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Hydrangea is a common shrub in our region, that likes heavier and moist soil. It is characterized by large green leaves and sphere flowers pink or blue in color, depending on the pH reaction of soil. In the spring hydrangea needs to be pruned and fertilized, and throughout the vegetation it needs to be provided with enough moisture. Keep in mind that the shrub grows up to 1.5 meters in height.

Related Articles:

Mediterranean Garden

Mediterranean includes countries surrounding the Mediterranean sea, comprising also Adriatic Sea with its coastline. Mediterranean climate in this area has mild, wet winters and dry, hot summers, as well as the abundance of sunshine, both in summer and...

Read More >>

Garden of Akbar's Tomb Sikandra

A short distance from Agra, lies the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great, in Sikandra. Akbar ruled over the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1605. His tomb has three-storeyed red sandstone minarets displaying wondrous inlay work of marble on the four...

Read More >>

Westfalenpark

Westfalenpark in Dortmund includes 70 acres of the great urban parks and serves as a popular excursion and leisure destination. Rosarium in Westfalenpark is 3rd largest rose garden in the world - LINK Address: Westfalenpark Dortmund, An der Buschmühle...

Read More >>

Mozirski gaj - park cvetja

Mozirski gaj - Park in Slovenia is opened from the beginning of April till the beginning of October. It is located on the right bank of the river Savinja. Address: Mozirski gaj, 46º20'23.76'' N 14º57'39.56'' E, Slovenia  Website : http://www.mozirskigaj.com   Photo...

Read More >>