Woodland WOW

Create a dreamy, dappled area with shade-loving plants

- CHRIS MORLEY

Cool corner

A shaded garden is an opportunity to cultivate a selection of plants that enjoy respite from the sun. A woodland pocket can be created with just a small tree or two underplanted with bulbs and perennials, giving a soft, natural look that calms the eye and soothes the soul. It also allows privacy – a cosy retreat for sitting and relaxing. Small trees and shrubs can be container-grown too, so you can try this style on a patio or terrace.

Light-filtering trees

Look for trees with an open canopy, so light filters through its branches to the ground.

A silver birch (Betula pendula) is a great choice – its white limbs reflect light, and its delicate leaves cast pretty patterns of light and shade. Its slim profile allows you to grow several in a small space. Alternatively, choose a multi-stemmed specimen (where several branches emerge from ground level). ‘Moonbeam’ has peeling, bright white bark and golden catkins in April, and reaches 6m high in 10 years.