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The Shady Garden (Secret of success in shady)

The secret of success in shady gardening lies in the selection of plants which are adapted to shady situations. If all direct sunlight is denied, the best chance for success will be found in the use of hardy ferns and ornamental leafed plants, as, for example, the ivy, apple, and rose geraniums, lemon verbena, and caladiums. This latter plant comes in shades of pink and if used in moderation makes an attractive combination with ferns. Then, too, an early spring effect may be had by planting Narcissi bulbs in abundance. These cheerful harbingers of spring can stand some shade, and their bloom comes early, before the trees are in full leaf. Mertensia Virginica is also adapted to shady situations, and its blue flowers are effective when planted in large masses and against a background of green. Lilies-of-the-valley, phlox divaricata, pansies, forget-me-nots, begonias, fuchsias, or annuals such as heliotrope, nicotiana, salvia splendens, lobelias and petunias might be tried. Pansies and forget-me-nots are inclined to become straggly; [81] few plants will bloom profusely when grown in dense shade; therefore, whenever it is possible to do so, admit a ray of sunshine to the garden. Careful study and thought may reveal a way of accomplishing this by means of severe pruning, or by transplanting overgrown shrubbery. On examination, one may discover a tree or two that can be advantageously sacrificed or transplanted for the good of the garden. Sunshine and air mean health to plants, and afford greater variety of plant material from which to choose, thereby increasing one's chances for a better color effect.

Rhododendron, Azalea, and Laurel will add a background; a richness and contrast of color that is often pleasing. The bloom is not very fine in dense shade, but the foliage is ornamental and attractive at all seasons. There are a number of shrubs that do well in the shade, and they may be planted in deep recesses or where height and background are desired. Forsythia, Philadelphus, Abelia Grandiflora, Kerria Japonica, Clethra Alnifolia, Mahonia Aquifolia, and Berberis thunbergi and Vulgaris are all satisfactory for use in the shady garden, directions for the care of which will be found in Chapter IX, which treats of flowering shrubs and vines.

A naturalistic effect can sometimes be worked out to advantage when it is in keeping with the surroundings. [82] Courtesy of J. Horace McFarland Company A ROCK GARDEN IS ANOTHER POSSIBLE WAY OF BEAUTIFYING Native wild plants procured from the neighboring woods, or from a nurseryman may be utilized. It is necessary to plant these in large colonies or masses, in order to procure a satisfactory effect, because the individual plants are insignificant when seen in isolated groups of two or three together. The common blue violet also the Canina, Canadensis, and Pubescens varieties may be used; also Mertensia Virginica, Trilliums, Phlox divaricata, Aquilegia Canadensis, and Anemone Pennsylvanica, are all especially suitable for this purpose.

A rock garden is another possible way of beautifying the shady garden. A regular rock garden, filled with shade-loving plants, and constructed according to the directions given in Chapter V may be followed. The following is a list of suitable plants to use: