I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright. ~Henry David Thoreau
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves. ~David Orr
If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive. ~Eleonora Duse
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How Do I Make A Shade Garden?
Anyone wishing to build a garden in the shade needs to work from the ground up. Most of the soils found in the city are damaged and unhealthy. This is especially true near the base of buildings and under trees that have lawn beneath them. Repairing damaged soil is a simple but important process. By simply removing any weeds, lawn, or mulch and adding compost to the ground you will begin the process of reinvigorating your tired soil. Use a turning fork to blend a 6 inch layer of compost into your existing soil. It is important to use a turning fork for this process as the fork will allow for any large chunks of soil that may want to cling together to do so. These large chunks are important as they contain soil fungi and earthworms that are beneficial to plants and they help maintain a crumbly soil texture. When a tilling machine is used to turn soil all of these important large chunks of soil are broken apart into tiny pieces. This kills most of the beneficial organisms in the soil as well as allowing for compaction of the soil when water runs through it. Compacted and damaged soil is what we are starting with so let’s make sure we’re creating a crumbly, healthy soil so that our gardens are beautiful and abundant. After you’ve turned the compost into the soil add another couple inches of compost to the top of the garden before planting, this will act as a mulching layer as well as creating an even look across the top of the bed.Once your soil is rich with compost you will be ready to start planting. Visit your local nursery and browse through their selection of shade tolerant shrubs perennials and annuals. I use large understory shrubs such as Blackhaw Viburnum and Pagoda Dogwood in order to visually tie together tall shade trees with low ground level gardens. In this way I create multiple layers of canopy that is attractive to wildlife. Beneath the layers of large understory shrubs I will often use smaller shrubs such as Azalea, Rhododendron, Chokeberry, Serviceberry, or Gro-low Sumac. All of these shrubs bloom, and many of them make edible fruit even in the shade! Beneath the layers of shrubs, and at the border of the shade garden it is a good idea to find shade tolerant plants with interesting foliage color and texture. I find the use of bright green leaves such as those on the shade tolerant grass Hakonechloa can add a season long splash of color. The tall graceful foliage of Solomons Seal can be stunning when planted behind a perennial geranium or Ladys Mantle. Plant bold textured shade perennials such as Rodgersia, or Hosta ‘Niagara Falls’ next to more finely textured plants such as Japanese Painted Fern for an outstanding contrast. One sure way of brightening up your shady garden is by planting tropical annuals. You may think I’m bananas, but I’ve grown many types of tropical plants here in Minneapolis including Birds of Paradise, Brugmansia, Coleus, and yes even Bananas! Tropical annuals can be a way of making your shade garden bloom constantly until frost. When you start looking through your local nurseries you will find that what I've listed here is only a tiny portion of the plants available for the shade. Experienced city gardeners know that a shaded garden can be an oasis of calm and beauty. Don't let the your shady yard cloud your garden thinking, with a little planning and hard work you too will have it made in the shade! The Seed Vol. 4 Junel 20, 2007 A Giving Tree Gardens Newsletter
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Photos and Text by Russ Henry
©2007 by Giving Tree Gardens, all rights reserved.
Giving Tree Gardens in the Co-op news!!!!!
To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment. ~Jane Austen
Made in the Shade
Urban gardeners everywhere are looking to make the most of their limited city lots. Unfortunately many gardeners feel that without direct sunlight they won’t be able to create beautiful gardens. I hear it so many times: “I’d love to put a garden back there, but it’s just too shady”, well take heart brave gardeners! Creating your own unique and beautiful shade garden will be simple with a little planning and research. Before you go get your shovels out scroll down for a few organic garden tips to help you have it "made in the shade".
Brookside Perennial Geranium (Top) With Ladys Mantle (Left) and Tiarella (Right)
Tradescantia (Left) with Gro-Low Sumac (Right)
Annuals Setcreasea purpurea (front) and Sweet Potato Vine (rear) offer bold contrast in the Shade
This tropical Fuscia is an annual delight in a Minneapolis garden.
Jackmanii Clematis vine thrives in the partial shade.
Rich red Astilbe surrounded by white Aruncas and bronze leafed Cimicifuga.
Plant Profile: Lady's Mantle
Alchemilla Mollis 'Thriller'
This is one of my favorite garden plants. I like to use Lady's mantle in showy borders where it's delicate chartruse blooms and velvety pleated foliage are easily viewed. Be sure to have a look in the garden after it has rained as the little ladies leaves will catch the rain drops and wear them like so many sparkling jewels. Lady's Mantle will grow to 24 inches wide, 15 inches tall and will bloom from late May to late June. As a zone three hardy plant Alchemilla Mollis is a reliable garden performer.
