Woodland Wonders

Most gardens have a shady area that can be difficult to make beautiful. The answer lies in the amazing woodland plants that just love to be in the shade says Camilla Phelps

- Camilla Phelps

THE dream garden plot always seems to be sunny, warm and south-facing, but the reality is that many gardens, particularly in towns, will be in shade for part or all of the day. However, shady spots don’t have to be a problem. If you embrace those dark corners, a whole world of plants opens up to you. Many of these are woodland plants and there is an amazing array to choose from, many of which come into their own in spring.

Woodland plants often flower before the trees are reclothed with leaves, making the most of the available light before the full shade of summer. There are spring-flowering bulbs to add a burst of colour, from erythroniums, winter aconites and snowdrops, to bluebells of course – who doesn’t love a bluebell wood in spring? Ground-hugging foliage plants add another layer and then there are the textures and myriad greens of ferns and grasses. With taller feature plants to illuminate dark corners of the garden, you can transform a shady spot into a mini woodland or create a gorgeous container that will brighten up a dark corner.

How long in the shade?

Of course, shade is not an easy option. Dry shade is the gardener’s bugbear often by a wall or under a tree. Many shady corners are not in full-shade the whole day, so it’s worth noting how many hours of direct sunlight your shady spot gets on a normal day.

Tough, spreading plants