

Shrubs flower better with filtered light rather than dense shade. Or choose from our great range of deciduous trees for summer shade and autumn colour. We recommend maples ( acer), camellia, rangiora ( brachyglottis), cabbage tree ( cordyline), dogwood ( cornus), puka (m eryta sinclarii), pseudopanax, rhododendron, nikau palm (r hopalostylis), rimu ( dacrydium), and viburnum. Trees create a cool, shady, restful place to escape the summer heat.
SHRUBS FOR SHADE INSTALL
Soaker hoses are easy to install and will water plants directly into the roots without any wastage. Installing an in-ground irrigation system can make the job less labour intensive and guarantee success – especially in dry shade. Deep watering once a week is more effective than light watering. Regular watering will be required to get plants established. Mulch in late winter or early spring and again in mid-summer. Mulching is very important, especially in dry shade, as it aids in keeping weeds down and retaining soil moisture. Use Sheep Pellets and Gardener X Compost at the recommended rate in spring. Palmers’ handy tip: Plants grow slower in the shade so start with larger plants for quicker results. Add soil, tread down lightly and water well. Place the plant in the hole at the same depth of the original plants container. Remove the plant from its container and run a sharp knife down the root ball in several places to encourage new roots. Soak the plant in a bucket of water before planting. Add Blood and Bone and Sheep Pellets to the planting hole and mix in well. For damp shade, any time of year is suitable as long as plants are watered during dry periods.īefore planting, dig a hole twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball. The best time to plant in dry shade is in autumn and winter so plants are established before the dry summer months. This along with an irrigation system will allow you to grow a wider range of plants. To improve soil in dry shade gardens dig in generous amounts of compost, peat, mulch and any well-rotted organic material. While not absent, flowers are fewer in shade gardens, as they often bloom better with filtered light. There is plenty of stunning foliage plants ideal for low light situations, their large, shiny leaves designed to catch the light. Shade gardens need never be dull when there are so many beautiful shapes and colours to work with. Trickling or running water will also add another dimension to your shade garden. A garden in the shade provides this haven with flowers illuminated by the soft dappled light dramatic foliage and bold ferns. For centuries people have sought a quiet space to contemplate the world, away from the harsh summer sun.
