How to choose plants for dry shade...plus 10 favourite dry shade plants

Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль

Dry shade is considered to be the most difficult part of the garden when it comes to plants. But if you know the questions to ask, you can choose from hundreds of beautiful plants and create a pretty dry shade area wherever you live.
00:00 Welcome
00:17 Portuguese laurel underplanted with euphorbia and ferns at Great Dixter
00:54 Plants for shade with The Horti-Culturalists: • How to choose plants f...
02:25 The Middlesized Garden is in SE England, roughly equates to a USDA zone 9 in winter
02:49 The pink spires are lupins and foxgloves
02:54 12 garden styles - which is yours? • 12 garden styles - gar...
03:22 Woodland style planting with ferns and geranium macrorrhizum under silver birch trees
05:18 The pom-poms are Allium Purple Sensation
06:54 The Middlesized Garden t-shirt the-middlesized-garden.creato...
07:10 Astrantia
07:29 Aucuba japonica
07:57 Bergenia
08:46 Cyclamen
09:15 Euphorbia 'Robbaie'
09:27 If plants are invasive...
10:04 Fatsia japonica
10:34 Ferns
11:11 Foxgloves
11:20 Foxgloves under a tree at Doddington Place Gardens with head gardener Lucy Adams
11:44 Hardy geraniums
12:25 Ivy
13:23 Shady gardens playlist: • Shady gardens playlist
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Пікірлер: 183

  • @docmarmalade5224
    @docmarmalade52242 жыл бұрын

    OMG, Alexandria said, "I'm not a tidy gardener." You just spoke my language.💙💕🎉🤗

  • @jennifernash4638
    @jennifernash46382 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for always considering your fellow US gardeners in videos! It makes your advice that much more helpful.

  • @folee_edge

    @folee_edge

    2 жыл бұрын

    I second this - you have a lot of admirers on this side of the pond.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you both! I'm so pleased that a lot of people from the US watch, and also it's really helpful to have comments from all over the world as it reminds me that what works in one place may not work in another (or it may work too well and get out of control).

  • @PDXGardenHome
    @PDXGardenHome2 жыл бұрын

    Dry shade is the part of the garden I struggle with. This was the perfect topic! Thanks!

  • @MemoryFlowersMusic
    @MemoryFlowersMusic2 жыл бұрын

    I picked up a sedum from a lady on Freecycle last year but annoyingly managed to snap most of the stems in transit bringing it back to mine. I chucked it in my awkward shady corner and forgot about it. I almost recoiled when I was clearing that corner out in the spring and saw how huge it had become! It’s now doing its glorious autumnal thing, and granted the one in front (full sunlight) has far surpassed it but let it be known it’s also very happy in the shade!

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's interesting and I agree, quite unexpected. It shows that it's always worth experimenting.

  • @Keyboardje

    @Keyboardje

    2 жыл бұрын

    I too had a "forgotten" Sedum spectabile 'Herbstfreude' put somewhere in almost total (dry) shade, and I couldn't find it again so thought it had died, only to find it again many years later! Not doing very well, but alive! And as soon as I took it out and put it in a more sunny spot, it got quite big and beautiful again within a year.

  • @zacharysimon2952
    @zacharysimon29522 жыл бұрын

    “I’m not a tidy gardener.” ❤️ Me, either! (And pretty much for the same reason you gave.)

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Exactly!!

  • @phillisik4426
    @phillisik44262 жыл бұрын

    In zone 5 Michigan, epimedium are my favorite plant for dry shade. Make sure to water on a regular bases the first year. Hellebore are also a good choice.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Both lovely plants.

  • @seedsaverdiane5636

    @seedsaverdiane5636

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’m in Michigan too. Your favorites are mine. You can add woodland aster (Aster divaricatus) to the list.

  • @JRudy17
    @JRudy172 жыл бұрын

    I garden in US zone 4b, and have an Aruncus Dioicus (goat's beard) that continues to look great after 30 years of neglect. It's a 3 foot tall dwarf variety, planted in front of a rock wall surrounded by tall evergreens. The astilbe-like foliage and creamy white plumes brighten up that part of the garden.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    That sounds beautiful

  • @emkn1479

    @emkn1479

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good to know, as I’ve been wanting to add this to my dry shade border too!

  • @nspector

    @nspector

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oh, goat's beard, and a dwarf variety, yes! Have to keep this in mind. Also, sounds like, though they look like astilbe, they don't need to serious amount of water astilbe really does require.

  • @JRudy17

    @JRudy17

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm embarrassed to say that during our unusually hot and dry summer (atypical for Minnesota), I never watered that border. There are bergenia, hosta and pulminaria In the same border, and all are thriving despite being untended.

  • @bakokat6982
    @bakokat69822 жыл бұрын

    Always look forward to your very helpful videos. This is perfect topic for the space between two large crape Myrtle trees and one Medium sized Japanese maple. Thank you

  • @ademeyer
    @ademeyer2 жыл бұрын

    Tradescantia (Spiderwort) are bullies in the sun, much better behaved in shade. I like the purple flowers

  • @marcusseidel6824
    @marcusseidel68242 жыл бұрын

    I' m doing a kind of volunteer gardening in my neighborhood. I tried to underplant trees to encourage bees, insects and little birds. What I need to mention. Vinca minor ( there are purple, white, burgundy coloured and eventueel varigated varieties ...they do quite well in dry shady conditions. I ve seen that violets love to grow in shady areas. But when its too dry ..they suffer. Senecio maritimum lights up dark spots with his silver foliage ...its a shadow drought tolerant plant. They do well under the trees in my neighborhood. Adding some compost and mulching helps to avoid terrible drought. Goed luck. Thank you Alexandra for your outstanding work. Kind regards, Marcus

  • @marcusseidel6824

    @marcusseidel6824

    2 жыл бұрын

    What I wanted to add ... I ve planted in every shady dark spot white lillies and gladiolus. Their bulbs wont rot in dry shade and they flowered very well .

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Excellent list, thank you!

  • @incognitotorpedo42

    @incognitotorpedo42

    2 жыл бұрын

    Vinca is invasive where I live (US mid-Atlantic region). It's good in an area that can keep it contained, like an area that is completely surrounded by concrete.

  • @allisongryski8452
    @allisongryski84522 жыл бұрын

    I have a bunch of dry shade under a conifer and weeping willow and I planted some divided hostas there before I "knew better". Well it was beginner's luck because they are so happy and remain untouched by slugs (whom I assume are avoiding the dry). I also have lupins, cyclamen, hardy geranium, japanese tassel fern, heuchera, bleeding heart, Spanish bluebells, and autumn crocus all growing in this area.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good point about the slugs, and a lovely list of plants.

  • @lisab.6818
    @lisab.68182 жыл бұрын

    Coming up my driveway I have 2 large dry/shaded garden beds and now I can plant astrantias to brighten up the darkness, thank you so much Alexandra!

  • @georgiacinq-mars1899
    @georgiacinq-mars18992 жыл бұрын

    Invasive vs. plants that like to romp around your garden! So funny! Thank you, I have a dry shady area I struggle with.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    I imagine I will still be struggling with mine for a while, but today's job is to cover it with garden compost which might help.

  • @howconnie
    @howconnie Жыл бұрын

    Busy Lizzie, sweet woodruff, wood ferns and Camila

  • @folee_edge
    @folee_edge2 жыл бұрын

    "...very low rainfall - just 26 inches a year..." Spoken like a True Englishwoman 😁 Some states in the US average less than 9" per year

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    That sounds like terrifyingly little rain!

  • @folee_edge

    @folee_edge

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheMiddlesizedGarden Yes, I couldn't do it! I'm in one of the rainiest states, and we average around 26", so I had a chuckle at what you considered a dry climate 😁

  • @franharrison6316
    @franharrison63162 жыл бұрын

    Hello Alexandra, Thank you for another beautiful, helpful video - I look forward to them from ‘across the pond’ in Maine each week. I so enjoy also looking at your pictures of your garden and may I suggest that you leave those images up a few seconds longer? It’s always so interesting to let the details of the image be noticed and soak in, or to observe in the photo what you go on to say about the plant. So look forward to your uploads each week! Thank you.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, that's very helpful and something I have been thinking about.

  • @franharrison6316

    @franharrison6316

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheMiddlesizedGarden Love your videos and always learn so much! Thank you 🌸🌺🥀🌼

  • @ludmilabevan3283
    @ludmilabevan32832 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much, Alexandra. You gave me ample of ideas for my shady border. Just wanted to add that perhaps some grasses would be happy in these conditions. My hakonechloa seems to be fine and adds a bit of sunshine to the dark corner. You are absolutely right that gardening is all about the experience by trowel and error. Why not to try something else. After all the labels truly can be very misleading.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Ah, yes, hakonechloa, I'd love to try that - I didn't have any luck with it a few years ago, but it could be a great choice for this small shady area.

  • @ludmilabevan3283

    @ludmilabevan3283

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheMiddlesizedGarden I keep mine in a small pot, in shade and constantly forget to water it. But surprisingly it thrives. :0)

  • @nspector
    @nspector2 жыл бұрын

    Terrific, once again. Just want to add something I didn't hear you explicit say about why established trees and shrubs made shade dry as it took me an embarrassing number of years to get this: The large established trees and shrubs drink up most of the water before the smaller plants can get much. Even now it sounds so obvious to me, but it wasn't for years.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good point, and I'll remember that for the future, thank you.

  • @LittleJordanFarm
    @LittleJordanFarm2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Alexandra. Blessings

  • @lornalorna4026
    @lornalorna40262 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. So helpful as usual, particularly for a beginner as myself trying to purposefully plan and create a thought out garden. It's great to have these tips but also to learn from my own and your earlier mistakes such as the rhubarb you mentioned at the beginning. ☺

  • @botanicxalley
    @botanicxalley2 жыл бұрын

    What a wonderful climate and garden!

  • @rusticrye4676
    @rusticrye46762 жыл бұрын

    A brilliant video, Alexandra. Thank you so much!

  • @ConnectingwithNature
    @ConnectingwithNature2 жыл бұрын

    Amazing garden with great selection of plants. Thank you for sharing!

  • @laurieanne9712
    @laurieanne97122 жыл бұрын

    I needed this exactly! Thank you always for your thorough research! I started with you when I think you only had 14k subscribers!

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching so many of my videos!

  • @penelopehammerton2907
    @penelopehammerton29072 жыл бұрын

    Thank you once again Alexandra for another well informed video. I've put white geraniums almost in the dark in my garden and red ones in full sun and both have done equally well. You are right about not relying on the label, use it as a vague guide. I have some large pots handy and have had to rescue one or two plants not suited to their area. They are put in the pots to try different locations to find their permanent home. Always enjoy your videos. Thank you.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, and great tip about the pots.

  • @penelopehammerton2907

    @penelopehammerton2907

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Alexandra, came across this lovely channel called fierceblooms, I really think her videos worth looking at, I have learnt such a lot. Could be the sort of person for an interview perhaps.

  • @cambbrown6205
    @cambbrown62052 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, this is exactly what I need:-)

  • @thehorti-culturalists
    @thehorti-culturalists2 жыл бұрын

    Great video Alexandra and a GREAT selection of plants! Thank you!

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Now to plant them....

  • @justynjonn
    @justynjonn2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for posting this!!!

  • @cct2513
    @cct25132 жыл бұрын

    Very informative and inspiring. I just built my first tee-pee obelisk from tree trimmings and old wisteria vine.

  • @amymk3314
    @amymk33142 жыл бұрын

    Lovely garden 😍

  • @karlagrant3405
    @karlagrant34052 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video!

  • @PatriciaG99
    @PatriciaG992 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Alexandra! Another very informative video. I love astrantia but mine have struggled. I'm about to move them more into the shade. I like how you present your videos - packing in the information so efficiently 👏👏👏

  • @adz5bneweng589

    @adz5bneweng589

    2 жыл бұрын

    My astrantia struggled for over a year. It took off in its third season. In part shade with a little afternoon sun. Average moisture. Zone 5b, Massachusetts USA

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. It's interesting how sometimes plants struggle even though we're doing everything right. Good luck with the astrantia move.

  • @breeking3333
    @breeking33332 жыл бұрын

    This is definitely a challenging place to garden but epimediums I find do well for me and dont show any wear and tear through the summer heat. I’m in US zone 7b and love your videos.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! And I agree about epimediums.

  • @Nanci-Griffin
    @Nanci-Griffin Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for this video!

  • @Flanuora
    @Flanuora2 жыл бұрын

    Such a wealth of knowledge! Thank you 😊

  • @alexm9148
    @alexm91482 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much Alexandra, very useful information 👌 You mentioned woodland style planting. Maybe this is something for a future video 🤔

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    I did do one a few years ago, but would like to do another with more detail at some point. But here it is: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pXqDqcupg7vLoc4.html

  • @alexm9148

    @alexm9148

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheMiddlesizedGarden thank you, I saw it! I had seen it before of course (since I have seen most of your videos) but it was useful that I saw it again.

  • @RoseMary-vs3io
    @RoseMary-vs3io2 жыл бұрын

    Perfect topic, thank you👍👌

  • @RosemaryMulryan
    @RosemaryMulryan2 ай бұрын

    So clear and informative

  • @DeborahCaldwell77
    @DeborahCaldwell772 жыл бұрын

    That REALLY interested me. Thank You.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @dyanalayng5507
    @dyanalayng55072 жыл бұрын

    You just gave me an idea with the pale geraniums and ferns together, so thank you! I'm working on a shady area where the rabbits absolutely mowed down several trial plants ( sweet woodruff, Ladys Mantle and Jack Frost Brunnera). We seem to need Zone 4 plants, even though we are in Zone 6 (Southern Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦). The Ajuga, my most recent trial, seems to be ignored by the rabbits, thank goodness!

  • @beks3232
    @beks32322 жыл бұрын

    I am not a tidy gardener either and this is why I love your channel. You gave me some great ideas for some shady dry spots for blooming plants. I have yet to try hardy geranium and Astrantia is a new one I have not heard here in Texas, but will now be looking for it at my local garden centers.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @theswissgardenvlog3189
    @theswissgardenvlog31892 жыл бұрын

    Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @tanyastephens3187
    @tanyastephens31872 жыл бұрын

    Plant cyclemen where ivy naturally grows....you won't go wrong! Thanks for this video ....informative as ever.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you - yes they do seem to be good companions, too

  • @upnorth21
    @upnorth212 жыл бұрын

    Always educational. I like the mass of Bergenia and Astrantia. I would think of those as loving moisture. I will have to try them in dry shade.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    I always say that there's a bit of trial and error. There's some mysterious alchemy that means plants work in one place, then not in another, however similar. But I hope it works for you.

  • @emkn1479
    @emkn14792 жыл бұрын

    Great tips! I have a dry border along the road under established trees. It was a dusty weed pit but I’ve found that a thick mulch layer does an amazing job of enriching the soil and conserving moisture. Also one thing I tried this year which seems to work is to use bare root perennials if possible. I planted a couple of sacks of astilbe roots and they have been managing well in the area, I’m guessing because they “woke up” there. I watered regularly after planting and they’ve handled the worst of the summer. I know if they had been potted before planting they would not have been so forgiving. We will see what next year brings. Also about the ivy, I’ve heard that it only flowers once it grows vertical. The previous owners of my home planted some and I’ll never get it out, but it is an amazing ground over so I’ll just make sure it stays that way and doesn’t get too eager.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Astilbe are beautiful so that's a good tip, also the mulching.

  • @3lightsteps
    @3lightsteps2 жыл бұрын

    I have a varigated fatsia (zone usa7b) that is trellised in a large pot on my North facing covered porch that is sheltered on both sides. I bag it each winter before a hard freeze with 2 large clear bags (tied together with one bottom up and the other top down). It is now about 7 feet tall and is a lovely statement against my sage/mint house. I will probably have to prune it next spring.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Lovely. The variegated ones really are beautiful and good tip.

  • @Bandaid17

    @Bandaid17

    2 жыл бұрын

    What zone are you in?

  • @susanwood8086
    @susanwood80862 жыл бұрын

    just found your channel by chance - exactly what i’m looking for. thankyou

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @vbachman6742
    @vbachman67422 жыл бұрын

    Exactly what I needed as I plan for my planting next year. I have a fair amount of dry shade in US heat zone 7b. I need a variety of plants in my very small city garden that I share with 3 large dogs. I love this channel. I have learned so much from you! Edit: some of the plants reviewed are highly toxic to dogs & cats. Check the ASPCA web site (US) before you plant anything you don't know for sure is nontoxic if you have pets that might chew on plants.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good point. Thank you.

  • @1Thedairy
    @1Thedairy Жыл бұрын

    That was so thorough and informative and really helpful. One of the shade loving ground cover plants I really love is Saxifraga stolonifera. It’s very compact and it produces such pretty white flowers on mass that contrast so well with the leaves which on their own are very beautiful. Mine line a narrow path and I wouldn’t be without it in my garden.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    Жыл бұрын

    I'll check that plant out, thank you.

  • @sahabshraddha8453
    @sahabshraddha84532 жыл бұрын

    Interesting 🥰 topic 🍃🍃💞

  • @karenwilliams197
    @karenwilliams1972 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your wonderfully informative vids. They always brighten up my ironing! A few thoughts. I have heuchera and astrantia growing together which give the bees a treat all summer. Also persicaria amplexicaulis and red dragon are thriving in my Kent garden (but not too much!). And fuchsias and spirea also work once they have settled down. Japanese anemones too, which I had growing too enthusiastically in the sun, but now are more restrained.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Those sound like lovely combinations, thank you.

  • @juliepardo7767
    @juliepardo77672 жыл бұрын

    Great list Alexandra, thank you! I've had luck with trillium(this is its second season) in my dry shade area. I'm in a zone 6. It's under three large hornbeams in the corner of my north facing garden. Unfortunately, I don't remember the variety, but it blooms late winter/early spring. I think the secret to its flowering success may be the melted snow keeping the ground moist and the increased sunlight from the lack of leaves during that time? During late Spring, Summer and Fall, that area is full shade, the foliage has done pretty well considering it gets rather dry.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Trillium is lovely - I think I tried to grow it once but quite a time ago when I didn't really know much about gardening.

  • @folee_edge
    @folee_edge2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @pansepot1490
    @pansepot14902 жыл бұрын

    One plant I have found thrives in the driest of shade is Roast-beef plant (Iris foetidissima). It’s evergreen so never leaves bare soil and although the flowers are far from flashy they produce bright red berries that last all winter. Almost zero maintenance: just removing a few dead leaves once or twice a year.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good suggestion. I have a self-seeded one under a tree in a border and it's flourishing.

  • @batchrocketproject4720
    @batchrocketproject4720 Жыл бұрын

    I have a small bed that has no direct sun at all (shaded by buildings on two sides with a dense, mostly privet, mixed hedge on the South). I'm planning on planting it and found this video helpful, thanks. One thing I noticed is that my shaded bed has a small rogue fuchsia (the 'wild' one with red/blue bells) that has grown under the hedge for several years. It doesn't thrive but the few flowers it makes look fantastic and really bright against the hedge, as does the relatively pale, if sparse, foliage. When I cleared the area I pulled it out but it grew back and I have learnt to treasure it. It will remain when I finally plant the area, having earned my admiration. I wanted to share this as a fuchsia is the last thing I would expect to grow in a dark corner proving that it's worth experimenting.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    Жыл бұрын

    It really is! I have some crocosmia in my shady area, and it too refuses to be pulled out. But it's a plant that usually prefers sun.

  • @Rougebasque
    @Rougebasque2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Sarcococca hookeriana humilis, geranium macrorhizum, euphorbias, libertia grandiflora work well for me. I had to move my fatsia japonica to moist shade because is was turning yellow, I also planted Hedera algeriensis Gloire de Marengo (a beautiful variegated big leaf Ivy)as a ground cover to lighten up the space.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great list of plants.

  • @moamoa7067
    @moamoa7067 Жыл бұрын

    I just made the shaded/dappled sun section a wildflower meadow,because its almost pure sand and rocks.More biological functions and less maintaining from me! I planted some daffodils in the more dappled spots and called it a day. Beautiful results 😍

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    Жыл бұрын

    Lovely!

  • @swsunsetseeker7285
    @swsunsetseeker72852 жыл бұрын

    Euonymus. Saw several in your pics. Does great in these conditions, evergreen and cold-hardy.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Of course!

  • @suemowat222
    @suemowat2222 жыл бұрын

    I posted this and for some reason it attached itself to another video, so here it is again. I have Brunnera Jack Frost growing in dry shade. It has been particularly dry in my part of Scotland this year but the Brunnera has never looked better. It has silver leaves which lighten up the shade. The silveryness of the leaves varies from plant to plant so don't buy it online. See the plant in the flesh before buying. It clumps up quickly and divides well so one plant can soon become many.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    I love Brunnera, what a good tip.

  • @folee_edge

    @folee_edge

    2 жыл бұрын

    Brunnera is a GREAT dry shade plant - AGREED ❤️

  • @nspector

    @nspector

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oh wow, really? I just yesterday made a sort of tiny retaining wall for my Brunnera 'Jack Frost' hoping that will help let water sink in better rather than roll down the incline it's on, and hoping that maybe insufficient water is why these (not inexpensive!) plants have not really taken off. But then I'm in Connecticut, US and our summers are much hotter than yours. This season most days from mid-June through August (and even some now in Sept) have been in the upper 80s f, with plenty over 90 f (32.2 c). So that kind of heat could certainly counteract their ability to take more dryness, plus the myriad of unknown factors! Interesting to read your comment, however.

  • @nakedbananas444
    @nakedbananas4442 жыл бұрын

    So informative!! As always!! Thank you!! 🍌😍🍌

  • @lornaprice3748
    @lornaprice3748Ай бұрын

    Fan iris, Iris japonica is a versatile drought tolerant plant I have it growing in shade and sunny sites.

  • @rosaleepruett3433
    @rosaleepruett34332 жыл бұрын

    U have a beautiful garden

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @wyzhang5800
    @wyzhang58002 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for another so helpful episode! Always like most of the plants you recommend and show in various of your videos. Where to get hardy cyclamen? Only saw them in shops.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think that mail order plant companies would have them under 'bulbs.' They're not bulbs, but they sort of seem to come into that category. Look for 'hardy cyclamen' and they should come up.

  • @wyzhang5800

    @wyzhang5800

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much, will explore online. Best

  • @lizystratabojomira
    @lizystratabojomira2 жыл бұрын

    All the plants that you, ve mentioned ate good in dry shade in Poland , but I have also found the brunera varieties good for such places

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Brunnera is lovely, so that's a great suggestion.

  • @donaldauguston9740
    @donaldauguston97402 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Alexandra. I would really appreciate it if you could also discuss issues of cutting things back for the winter. I buy a lot of plants that I just don't know what to do with before the winter starts. Do I cut them back or just leave them alone? Thank you again, DA

  • @pansepot1490

    @pansepot1490

    2 жыл бұрын

    General rule is to leave them alone and cut back end of winter/early spring. Dead leaves/stems somewhat protect the roots from the cold and often (especially if the garden has been carefully designed) add interest to the winter garden with their dried shapes. (Look up images of Piet Oudolf winter gardens to see what I mean). If you are a very tidy gardener you can cut the plants back before winter and cover them with mulch for protection/aesthetic. Both solutions are valid then it’s up to your style of gardening: more naturalistic and laid back or more controlled and labor intensive.

  • @karlagrant3405

    @karlagrant3405

    2 жыл бұрын

    DA, I've seen video where you should leave stems for the bees. And also leave a little bare soil for them. This is a wonderful suggestion! Yes, please, Alexandra.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    I agree with Panse Pot - generally better to leave plants over winter. It varies hugely from plant to plant, but the safest thing is to leave the plant not cut back as that's unlikely to harm it. And will think about doing a video on it, thank you.

  • @Cassieskins21
    @Cassieskins212 жыл бұрын

    👍👍

  • @alice_rabbit8345
    @alice_rabbit83452 жыл бұрын

    I need to try bergenia!

  • @digsowgrow
    @digsowgrow2 жыл бұрын

    I would add sweet woodruff and epimedium to your list !

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely!

  • @user-et7fv6fz6q
    @user-et7fv6fz6q Жыл бұрын

    Great info. Have you tried heavily Mulching the drier areas?

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, I do a layer of mulch every year, it makes a big difference.

  • @vivekchowdhury2443
    @vivekchowdhury24432 жыл бұрын

    Informative as usual. I also like to leave self seeded foxgloves, etc. Lucky that ferns just appear under tress and shrubs but maybe because I live in a forest region. I also have dry area under trees and shrubs because they are south facing and get lots of sun but the rain rolls of leaves leaving a dry patch. So I have planted sempervivum, sedums , alpine plants , periwinkle and grasses .Have you ideas for this condition?

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think it's probably just trial and error, trying out plants for dry areas and seeing which ones flourish. Also if you prune your trees, then maybe aim to have a less dense canopy so a little more rain (and light) will get through. I have a blog post which may help with this, although it depends on how you want your trees to look and the type of tree: www.themiddlesizedgarden.co.uk/how-to-prune-garden-trees-for-privacy-and-light/

  • @vivekchowdhury2443

    @vivekchowdhury2443

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheMiddlesizedGarden Thank you for the tip . I have actually pruned trees and shrubs else where in the garden for this purpose and found more growth round the base.Unfortunately a birds nest prevents me doing further thinning. I am currently interested in good quality soil in borders and under lawn would you be able to do an episode on sustainable composting , mulching etc using mainly organic matter in the garden. The ultimate aim is to have a self contained eco system.

  • @toninatoli
    @toninatoli Жыл бұрын

    You mentioned bergenia as a shade plant. I have a ferocious clump of it in a west facing rockery right up against a concrete foundation and driveway. Indestructible! Are your recommendations for dry shade under conifers as well?

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    Жыл бұрын

    I think it's harder when roots are competing - a bit of trial and error will probably be necessary. With any planting under trees, the nearer you are to the outer edge of the leaf canopy, the more likely you are for plants to survive. Nothing much grows directly under my conifers, near the trunk, but ferns, fatsia, ivy and cotoneaster do quite well when planted under the edge of the leaf canopy.

  • @greensage395
    @greensage3952 жыл бұрын

    It blows my mind, that folks can Garden without Watering! :) I am in the Desert SW...If I do not water Daily, it dies! :)...even in the Winter!

  • @greensage395

    @greensage395

    2 жыл бұрын

    I am Zone 8a, so my Garden Style is Invasive and Sloppy! :) Anything that Grows is the Garden, even the Weeds!

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    That is a very different sort of gardening, indeed. I used to live in Lima, Peru, which I think is one of the driest places on earth and the garden was flooded once a week rather than actually watered.

  • @greensage395

    @greensage395

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheMiddlesizedGarden These days, I have to sneak around to water! LOL, so as not to be accused of abusing it! :)

  • @clairemcmorss2406
    @clairemcmorss24062 жыл бұрын

    Thanx for this lovely and very useful episode! The city where I live in the Netherlands started a project to stimulate to adopt the ground space around a tree on the street in front of your house. They prepare the soil and offer you some plants if you participate. So I did this spring! But the Carpinus trees in our street are old and huge and there’s not much soil above the roots to plant any other plant, so I struggled a lot: very dry, very shady and a thin layer of soil. I planted Vinca major var. and minor for ground cover and Geranium Spessart and they are so-so, but all the other plants are suffering.. I have to make new choices, so thanx for this video. Greetings from the Netherlands!

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Vinca was definitely on my list as it is often recommended, but I didn't have any to photograph.

  • @joannmicik1924
    @joannmicik19242 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video! Thank you so much. I am facing a very large area of dry shade under deciduous trees. So far, ostrich ferns and miniature comfrey are doing well, sweet woodruff is so-so but spreading. I've found that the highly bred "fancy leaved" ivies (small leaves, variegated leaves, very "cut" leaves) don't seem nearly as vigorous as the standard English ivy and I can use them successfully wherever I put them without worrying about them overtaking other plants. Thank you again.,

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's a good tip. And comfrey doing well for me too in another dry shady area.

  • @mpsaltiel9003
    @mpsaltiel90032 жыл бұрын

    Periwikle can thrive in dry shade. Mind it is a ground cover, if it does well it mat cover more ground then what you had wished for!

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good suggestion!

  • @vbachman6742

    @vbachman6742

    2 жыл бұрын

    Classified as invasive in southeastern US at least in zone 7 and warmer.

  • @SteveHPhotos
    @SteveHPhotos2 жыл бұрын

    Ivy is my worst garden nightmare, really invasive as our garden in South East UK was over run with it 3 years ago, strong weed killers and weeding still haven't got rid of the issues I have with the bloody stuff

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    oh, dear. I'm not quite sure why it's worse in some gardens than others.

  • @vbachman6742

    @vbachman6742

    2 жыл бұрын

    Also classified as extremely invasive in the southeastern US. My zone 7b and most other warm zones.

  • @alisonburgess345
    @alisonburgess3452 жыл бұрын

    If you could rig up some, even basic, irrigation, it would go from the MOST difficult to SECOND most difficult.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    I know what you mean. Irrigation would be good.

  • @rosaleepruett3433
    @rosaleepruett34332 жыл бұрын

    U have such pretty hair

  • @camilaevans9434
    @camilaevans94342 жыл бұрын

    Geranium pheum are covered in powdery mildew year after year, I'm giving up on them.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sorry to hear that. We don't seem to get mildew much here, except in the odd wet summer.

  • @kalsterling719
    @kalsterling7192 жыл бұрын

    Hellebore

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes!

  • @LinusCello75
    @LinusCello752 жыл бұрын

    Epimediums. Rohdea japonica Arums

  • @adz5bneweng589

    @adz5bneweng589

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes! Epimediums!

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great! Epimediums! and I'd forgotten about arums, but they are excellent and so easy care.

  • @anitahadley2871
    @anitahadley28712 жыл бұрын

    Everyone always says how easy hardy geraniums are. But I am having a hard time getting mine to flourish. They really only get some morning sun and are on slope.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's odd how some plants just don't settle - people always say that zinnias are easy, but I haven't grown them successfully at all.

  • @olivenolan2723
    @olivenolan27232 жыл бұрын

    Bergenia plants are at there best when planted in near bone dry conditions ,dont mind the labels.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    They are such good do-ers

  • @Debbieanne51
    @Debbieanne512 жыл бұрын

    I don't have a conservatory or a proper green house, only a garage and house. Can I over winter them indoors?

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    If that's the Fatsia, yes, many people treat them as house plants. House plants in winter need to be near windows for the light, but away from draughts, and only water when the soil feels dry.

  • @maryanna6302
    @maryanna6302 Жыл бұрын

    Just noticed you choose your edible plants (rhubarb) just based on how their leaves look 😂 I've found rhubarb very difficult to grow well even in moist sun areas, not an easy plant, of course my potatoes are usually rather rubbish too so guess I'm just lacking the veg growers skillset

  • @great-garden-watch
    @great-garden-watch2 жыл бұрын

    I love my ivy! But the deer eat it!

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oh, dear, I do sympathise as I don't get deer in town, but I know it's so difficult for all of you.

  • @lesliekendall5668
    @lesliekendall5668 Жыл бұрын

    "ONLY" 26" of rain?? We get less than 12" per year. 😲. I guess that would explain the reason for the centuries old dry wheat farming.

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    Жыл бұрын

    12" is really low! Although I spent many years living in Lima, Peru, when I was a child and the rainfall there is half an inch a year!

  • @lesliekendall5668

    @lesliekendall5668

    Жыл бұрын

    @@TheMiddlesizedGarden 😲

  • @sislertx
    @sislertx2 жыл бұрын

    Can.u mention if these are acid soil alkaline soil lies is so alkaline

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    with the ferns and hardy geraniums, you'll find one to suit your soil type as there are so many varieties. Astrantia, cyclamen, bergenia, ivy, euphorbia robbiae and aucuba japonica will grow in acid, alkaline or neutral. Foxgloves prefer acidic or neutral and Fatsia japonica isn't too fussed but prefers mildy acidic or neutral. But they all grow in my soil which is neutral/ a little alkaline

  • @mariacastro2682
    @mariacastro26822 жыл бұрын

    Clivia loves dry shade,deer don’t like it..beautiful orange flower..permanent plant..great in california

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sounds lovely!

  • @user-qz5gi4uh6x
    @user-qz5gi4uh6x2 жыл бұрын

    Astrantia poisonous to dogs?

  • @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    @TheMiddlesizedGarden

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, if your dog eats it.

  • @user-qz5gi4uh6x

    @user-qz5gi4uh6x

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheMiddlesizedGarden Yes, as puppies often do. Better to wait then. Mine is only 9 months old and still in the chewing phase. 😉

  • @sislertx
    @sislertx2 жыл бұрын

    Lmfao..i got.about 100.types native and.invasive.plants.for this area..and they all.are.weeds and.horrible things with stickers.and.nothing kills.them.ams.they choke out all the nice ones. Things like hackberry trees, several.shrubs like privet..reallt.drive me.nuts

  • @sislertx

    @sislertx

    2 жыл бұрын

    This.reminds me .our.record breaking ice.storms.that KILLED at least.26.LOCAL people before the local.news was told not to.report the deaths and govt offficals made it ILLEGAL TO GIVE OUT DEATH CAUSES... ALSO KILLED ALL MY NATIVE BULBS...AND I MUST.FIND A.SOURCE.

Келесі