Re: Plants for Shade under Oak tree!

>
> I've followed all the discussions about shade plantings, but need, I think,
> more specific advise!
> I have a dense back yard shaded by a huge oak tree!  This tree is so huge,
> that the grass around this tree is being replaced by a lot of pretty green
> moss!  I've plans to weave stepping stones in and around and just let the mold
> go, but it really needs some plantings, especially around the base of the
> tree. 
> The tree sits about 2 feet from the neighbor's privacy fence, so I was
> thinking about using the fence as the back of a raised bed, using concrete
> blocks, extending the raised bed about 10-12 feet into my back yard, and then
> weaving stepping stones throughout the yard, and letting the moss go wild!  
> I hope that over the years' the concrete blocks can be hidden by flowing
> plants, or I could 'paint' the exposed areas with yogurt or something to
> encourage moss growth, but what can I plant in this raised bed?
> Aren't there plants that don't thrive under an oak tree, or am I making more
> problems for myself?  
> I live in St Louis, Zone 5, and have some problems with clay soil, which the
> back yard has plenty of, have not amended the large amount of ground, because,
> by digging it up and hauling a lot away, I would be left with a huge mud
> puddle!  Not enough sun for grass deed to grow!  I've tried!
> By raising a bed (fairly large), I hope to bypass this problem, and let the
> moss take over, around the stepping stones, and have a back drop of hosta's
> and ferns and some flowering plants under this tree.
> Any problems that I need to be aware of planting under this oak tree? 
> My sunny side yard, has a large raised bed against the southeast side of the
> house, and an area of large containers, until I can raise a bed closer to the
> side street. From spring to fall, my side yard is great!  I would like my
> backyard to have a 'better look'
> What plants would you plant?
>   Thanks for all your help! Will be anxiously waiting for suggestions! 
> Wanda in St Louis
> I would like to 'remake' this back yard, because in the summer, we spend a lot
> of time here.
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
There are so many possibilities. You need to decide whether you want 
shrubs (flowering or otherwise), plants, climbers etc. Also you need 
to know whether your soil is neutral, acid or alkaline. Suggest you 
get hold of 'Plants for shade' by Elisabeth Arter - if it is 
available in US.  Robert.
PS. I am new to this list & I notice people referring to Zones.
Can anyone tell me the zone for SE England ???? Thanks


Dr Robert Colson
Electronics Curriculum leader
School of Engineering Systems
Middlesex University
LONDON  N11 2NQ

Tel:  0181 362 5356  or  01494 4343 88
Fax:  01494 4343 99
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