You’ve got it made in the shade
WANDERING around Joburg this past week, it has been interesting to note how people have been hopping from shade puddle to shade puddle.
And it really struck home while walking around the zoo just how difficult it would be for any animals to keep cool, especially out on the open grasslands or in the bushveld in the midst of the heatwave we are experiencing. It is so hot in Joburg that even the cellphone “tree” masts look dehydrated!
Fortunately, as we’re always reminded, Joburg has the largest man-made forest in the world, so it’s easier to find a cool spot in the leafy suburbs for all creatures great and small.
Many gardeners have shied away from having a too-shady garden though, believing that there is nothing to plant in shady areas, and that shady areas are less than attractive.
Yes, a shady area can be challenging, but creating a beautiful haven out of the glaring sun isn’t impossible – it just takes time. And a change of attitude.
A properly designed shady spot has its own charm and can be as full of foliage as the sunnier areas.
Frankly, the plants under trees are probably doing better than all other types other than succulents at the moment. The problem is that many of them are not very bright (although they have the good sense to stay out of the sun!)
Happily there has been a veritable explosion of shade-loving perennials, groundcovers, shrubs and ferns which are now available at leading and specialist garden centres.
Your only limitation these days is your imagination, as you can make any shady area as varied as a
PICTURE: CHRISTINE NIKEL sunny summer garden with the wealth of variegated foliage and luminous flowers out there.
Variations in leaf colour, no matter how slight, is an important element when it comes to designing for darker areas.
Various shades of green, variegated foliage patterns, glossy leaves and trees or shrubs with light-coloured bark add dimension and interest to a shady garden.
Use light-coloured plants which stand out in darker areas – go for shades of pale green, white, pale pink, yellow and gold.
Deep reds, blues and purples may fade into the shade unless they are set off by a contrasting lighter colour.
There are many plants that you can utilise in semi or full shade. Ferns of all sizes immediately come to mind.
Flowering plants include the many varieties and colours of Plectranthus, Zante-deschia (Arum lily – the white ones or those with variegated leaves look particularly good in the gloom), Clivia, Hypoestes (Ribbon Bush), Mackaya bella, fuschsias, hydrangeas, gardenias and camellias, azaleas and even agapanthus are just some that are happy to reward you with colour in the shade.
Fairy Crassula is a lovely succulent groundcover with masses of small pinky-white flowers on spindly stems,which teams up beautifully with Streptocarpus, the Cape primrose.
The bonus with foliage plants is that they provide a display all season, whether flowering or not.
And they come in a range of textures and shapes, so mix it up a little.
White or gold variegation on green leaves helps brighten up the shady area.
Coleus come in many different beautiful shades that will brighten and lighten. Chlorophytum comosum, commonly known as hen and chickens can also be used for wet shade.
There are many different varieties, all easy to grow. Heucheras offer an astounding range of colours. The darker the foliage generally the more sun tolerant they are.
Ligularias, which grow to between 60cm and one-metre tall, provide fantastic contrast, accent and drama and look fabulous with ferns.
Some of us may not be particularly partial to great shade stalwarts, begonias, but they fill that gap beautifully, each plant producing masses of jewel like flowers to brighten the darkest corners.
They can be divided into bedding plants, indoor plants, and foliage plants, but many species are suitable for all three purposes.
The one most people know is Begonia semperflorens, the Wax Begonia.
But you can find the evergreen Rex Begonias with particularly attractive variegated, spotted, striped or mottled foliage at specialist growers – and well worth the effort.
Just remember when planting in shady areas that you will still need to monitor the water conditions.
Group your plants together according to their water requirements.
And right now, in the very hot summer months, it is important to mulch around the plants which will help to keep the roots cool and significantly reduces evaporation. Space well between each plant to allow for ventilation, which will reduce the chance of any disease taking hold of the plant. Success in shade: ● Bulk-up the soil with compost before planting.
● Mulch regularly to conserve moisture and build up soil structure.
● Apply fertiliser to compensate for the competition from tree roots.
● In very dry areas consider installing an irrigation system.
● Prune trees to let more light and moisture into the soil below.
● Protect young plants and newly emerging spring foliage from slugs and snails.
● Plants grow more slowly in the shade. Start with larger plants for quicker results.
● Don’t miss Melanie and landscape designer Mike Rickhoff on 1485am Radio Today on Saturdays at 11.30am (or DStv audio channel 869).