Re: help for a Newbie
Hello Sue,
Actually, it would be far easier to say what would NOT grow than to list all that
will. Thee is no shortage of plants that love the shade and performs well. I see
where you get volunteers and that is always a good indicator of the ease you are
going to have in establishing some gardens.
In your first bed mentioned... if you are getting good bloom on the Daylilies then
you may be getting more light than you think. Shade, but bright. This area would
be open to not only plants that are considered shade lovers, but many plant
thought of a sun only as well.
The side of the dogwood hedge you want to plant.... how much sun does it get
during the full day? Is the hedge the only shade provided?
That mature blue spruce is going to suck up a lot of moisture. I would begin with
a mix of the ephemeral and the more dry shade tolerant plants. By ephemeral I mean
the early bloomers that die back by around July or so. Like Trillium, Virginia
bluebells, shooting stars, Dutchman's breeches, etc. Anemone nemorosa, the
European wood anemones. Mix it with some dry shade tolerant plants such as ginger,
Begonia, Epimediums, ferns. Especially the little hairy lip fern. One of my
favorites.
The rest of the gang will have lots more suggestions for you that are their
favorites.
Not tooting my horn here, but my 2000 web site should be up and running by next
Monday latest. Check out the virtual garden tour. Should give you some ideals on
shade plants and combinations.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: SUE WITZEL <Witzel@FRONTIERNET.NET>
Subject: [SG] help for a Newbie
snip.....
> 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
