Shade Landscaping
Different parts of a garden may possess
entirely different conditions, shade landscaping takes
advantage of those areas which have light restricted in some
way. The sunlight in a garden may be restricted by
artificial barriers such as the wall of a house or garden
wall, or natural obstacles such as trees and foliage; light
barriers may have been put up with the express purpose of
creating shade or else a shaded are may be the outcome of an
entirely different need. In all cases there are plants which
thrive or suffer from these conditions and the wise gardener
will research the plant choices available before planning,
designing and purchasing.
There is not just one kind of shade, nor of shaded area.
There is the area which is shaded during the morning, but
catches the sun in the afternoon; and there is the area
which sees the morning sun but not the afternoon. Then there
is the shade created by overhead foliage which might keep an
area without direct sun or perhaps under a perpetual mottled
light; the favoured situation for fuchsias, for example. The
shade areas are often categorised as: deep shade, part shade
and dappled shade areas. In all cases there are plants
available to choose from, selections to be made. In gardens
where no shade or little shade is available the planting of
trees, shrubs and the erecting of well placed barriers can
create these spots to allow a variety of plant to thrive in
your garden. In particularly hot environments a perpetually
shaded area planted with rhododendrons can be a delightful
retreat and may invite a seat to be placed there too.
Shade areas are relatively easy to maintain parts of your
garden too. Typically, plants that enjoy shade do not
require a lot of water; understanding your plants
requirements is, as always, the main consideration. A plant
which enjoys one kind of shade will not, necessarily enjoy
another kind; although some are more adaptable than others.
Those plants which enjoy strong sunlight are least likely to
endure shade; similarly, those plants which enjoy deep shade
will not endure much direct sunlight. Shade landscaping adds
a greater variety to the plant life of your garden and might
even provide some welcome comfort for an overheated
gardener.
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