Re: help for a Newbie
Hi Sue--Your questions sound very much like mine several years age when I
began to develop my shade garden. The problem I have with trying to give you
suggestions is that it is difficult to know where to begin OR where to end.
First of all, hostas seem to be able to grow almost anywhere. Generally
speaking, green varieties do better in deeper shade than yellow/gold
varieties. It is not that the yellow/gold won't grow there but rather they
will produce better color in areas with more sun. Having said that, let me
suggest that you contact Shady Oaks in Waseca, MN. and get one of their
catalogs. The number I have is 800-504-8006. They specialize in shade plants
but just as importantly for a "newbie", their catalog has excellent photos
of many plants with descriptions of their growing characteristics that you
probably will find very helpful. They tend to be a little pricey but they
do sell good stock. Also, since it is not too far from your home, you might
want to visit them. The few times I have been there, the staff was quite
helpful.
Now the problem is where do I end this? With a little research (perhaps
visit your library) you will find many varieties of perennials that will
work for you. Your problem then becomes which ones to you try first and "
WHERE DO I STOP?" Some of us have gradually slipped into a condition often
referred to as "hostaholism". I have a data base of about 150 hostas and
another 225 or so companion plants that I grow here in west central
Wisconsin. If you would like, I can send you a copy.
I hope this helps get you started. Good luck!! Have fun!!
Hank Zumach
Stoddard, WI
zone 4
----- Original Message -----
From: SUE WITZEL <Witzel@FRONTIERNET.NET>
To: <shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2000 12:15 PM
Subject: [SG] help for a Newbie
> I would greatly appreciate some help with winter planning. I am a
relative
> new shade garden person. I live in southern Minnesota. I can grow most
> things.(LOL) I started last summer to develop the shade areas of my yard.
>
> I live in a small town and have a 36 foot well (with electric pump) in my
> backyard that I use to water my plants/garden. With non-stop pumping, I go
dry
> (actually the hose doesn't reach any lower) in about 2 days and it
generally
> "re-fills" in one day. I believe I share the water table with the golf
course
> that is my backyard neighbor. Even with almost constant pumping by both
of us
> through our dry, dry summer I kept water in the well.
>
> I have an approximate 10 x 20 shade area (very filtered light) around
tree(s),
> that currently has 6 small hostas, 6 day lilies and various "volunteer"
> plants (columbine, bleeding heart, viola, fern)
>
> The fern I have is the old fashion, common fern (light green and about 3
feet
> tall) that grows non-stop on the northside of homes...
>
> 1st question: Will hostas grow under my red dogwood hedge (not the area
> mentioned above) that is on the northside of my lot- about 30 feet long.
?
> What else would/could I grow under this hedge?
>
> 2nd question: What, if anything, could I grow under a Blue Spruce that's
> closest branches to the ground are 12 feet high. This area gets no
morning
> light and about 2 hours of afternoon light?
>
> 2nd question: Given a budget of $200-300 what shade plants would you add
to a
> beginning shade garden?
>
>
> Thanks!
>
> Sue W
> --
> Sue Witzel
> Worthington, MN 56187
> witzel@frontiernet.net
>
