The abundance of large trees in a yard can make flower gardening more challenging. However, the challenge simply calls for more creativity. Shade flowering plants actually prefer the cooler areas of the garden where there is less sunlight. They can contribute both color and interest all season long.
In order to avoid frustration in one's attempt to add color to the shaded area, choose to work with it. Many flowers tolerate the lower amount of light and some actually thrive there. Annuals, woodland natives, bulbs and perennials are good choices to add color. Groundcovers provide another option.
Start by assessing the amount of light that will actually be received. Areas that are densely shaded by large trees or the overhanging roof of a building are a bigger problem than those receiving filtered light. There are many more choices for areas that receive filtered light than those that are completely shaded.
A lack of light may not be the only challenge one faces when gardening in shaded areas. The thick canopy of leaves or an overhanging roof often causes a lack of moisture. The rain is directed away from the soil and it remains very dry. Additionally, such larger organisms often are very competitive where moisture is concerned, grabbing what makes it through. Irrigation of the beds is needed to overcome these problems.
In shaded areas, soil is often not as fertile as in other areas of the landscape. Feeder roots of large trees and shrubs may consume nutrients as soon as they are added. These areas may need soil additions at the beginning of the growing season, followed by a couple more feedings during the growing season.
Most shade flowering plants prefer soil that is well drained. Incorporation of organic matter can help both sandy and clay like soils to support them. These materials are very useful where soils are hard and compacted.
In order to avoid frustration in one's attempt to add color to the shaded area, choose to work with it. Many flowers tolerate the lower amount of light and some actually thrive there. Annuals, woodland natives, bulbs and perennials are good choices to add color. Groundcovers provide another option.
Start by assessing the amount of light that will actually be received. Areas that are densely shaded by large trees or the overhanging roof of a building are a bigger problem than those receiving filtered light. There are many more choices for areas that receive filtered light than those that are completely shaded.
A lack of light may not be the only challenge one faces when gardening in shaded areas. The thick canopy of leaves or an overhanging roof often causes a lack of moisture. The rain is directed away from the soil and it remains very dry. Additionally, such larger organisms often are very competitive where moisture is concerned, grabbing what makes it through. Irrigation of the beds is needed to overcome these problems.
In shaded areas, soil is often not as fertile as in other areas of the landscape. Feeder roots of large trees and shrubs may consume nutrients as soon as they are added. These areas may need soil additions at the beginning of the growing season, followed by a couple more feedings during the growing season.
Most shade flowering plants prefer soil that is well drained. Incorporation of organic matter can help both sandy and clay like soils to support them. These materials are very useful where soils are hard and compacted.
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Looking for a shade flowering plants? Then visit Munchkin Nursery & Gardens to find the best selection of shade plants for your garden.
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