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Re: [SHADEGARDENS] dry shade conditions

Hi,
   I do not know the exact timing of your weather in Nova Scotia, but have
you considered some of your local species woodland ephemerals for under the
trees? They would be adapted to such conditions. They come up early before
the trees leaf out, bloom, set seeds and begin to go into dormancy soon
after. Usually around the first part of July around here. During spring we
usually have plenty of rain so there is no competition for water and
nutrients until July and August when we begin to turn hot and dry. The list
of plants would be almost endless. delphiniums, Dodecatheons, Anemones,
Arisaema, etc.
    Some plants to remain after their departure would be the ferns that
take a bit more light and dry, such as the Hairy Lip Fern. Epimediums are
great once established. For late color there are many woodland Asters and
the Eupatorums. These will take the competition.
    Just some thoughts,
Gene Bush    Southern Indiana      Munchkin Nursery      Zone 6a
                    around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com    http://www.munchkinnursery.com (NOT operative
today)

> In a message dated 98-02-07 10:48:49 EST, you write:
>
> << I am trying to establish shade loving perennial shrubs and flowers
under
>  a canopy of Maples. I have put a 6 " top layer of sandy soil on top of
>  very dense clay. Tree roots are everywhere,  making the soil dry out
>  very fast. We live in zone 5A in Nova Scotia. So far, I have put in
>  lillies, hostas and begonias with limited success. Could someone please
>  advise me as to some plants which might actually thrive under such
>  conditions.
>  Thank you, >>
> Try some varieties of Carex (sedges), Liriope (lilyturf),
> Lysimachia(moneywort),
> Heuchera (coral bells), dwarf hemlocks, viburnums, Sedum, and Euphorbia.
> Good luck.
>
> Clyde Crockett z5 ccredux@aol.com
> P.S. Try also some of the smaller hostas.
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