<\/p>
The best shade loving plants for the garden including picks from Chris Moss\u2019 garden design in rural West Sussex<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n A shady spot in the garden is an opportunity to create something special, a tranquil retreat to retire to on hot, summer<\/a> days.<\/p>\n Plants typically suited to shade will often be early to flower, but will continue the season with foliage that has a lush appearance. Chris\u2019 designs mix ferns with ornamental grasses<\/a> and classic woodland perennials, with the aim of creating a shady tapestry of contrasting texture, shape and form. He prefers to be generous with his quantities of shady plants, creating rivers of single species that flow into one another.<\/p>\n \u201cI like to layer the planting to create a shade understorey. This helps to cover the soil<\/a>, offering protection, while adding interest.\u201d By way of example, he indicates a Vinca minor<\/em> that gently scrambles among some shade-loving hellebores, a less vigorous species than Vinca major<\/em> and better behaved in a shady, woodland<\/a> setting. Plant selection is key to success\u00a0 with shade in the garden and ongoing pruning of the canopy above and around the site is essential.<\/p>\n As the planting matures, canopies will require lifting and thinning (usually best completed in winter) to prevent light levels from becoming too low. In dry but shady areas, the use of organic mulch will help, although additional irrigation may be required during any prolonged hot weather<\/a>.<\/p>\nBest plants for shade<\/h2>\n
Shade loving plants chosen by Chris Moss<\/h3>\n
\u00a0Dryopteris affinis<\/em><\/h4>\n