Made in the Shade

by

Carroll Uithoven

    A shade garden appears to be a contradiction in terms. Yet here on the Gulf Coast, we have the opportunity to develop a lively and colorful addition to our yards in areas that would otherwise be forgotten.  "With daily temperatures reaching nearly 100 degrees, shade is a must for certain plants to flourish," states Anita Thomas of Thomas Garden Center in Fairhope.  "Nature requires shade!"
    Gene Kier of Botanica, Gayfer Avenue, Fairhope, explains how to begin.  "First you must determine where your bed is to be placed.  Then based on the height of the existing trees, you may want to add a few other trees such as dogwood, Oriental Magnolia, or Japanese Red Maple."  Kier suggests the next level be composed of evergreen shrubs.  "Aucuba and fatsia as well as the more traditional nandina, gardenia, or holly provide a year-round expanse of green," says Kier.
    Jan Helpon of Silverhill Nursery located between Robertsdale and Fairhope agrees with Kier on the use of evergreens.  Helpon also suggests the use of Mahonia bealei at this level.  "These plants are tall with pointed leaves," explains Helpon.  "In addition, Mahonia produce bright yellow flowers followed by clusters of blue berries which are very attractive to birds."  An unusual evergreen plant is the Aspidistra elatior or cast-iron plant.  Says Helpon, "The cast-iron plant is similar to a bulb in that it multiplies over the years.  Cast-irons do very well under oak trees."
    Deciduous shrubs come next; however, with the long growing season we usually have, these plants and shrubs are leafless for a very short time.  From Silverhill Nursery come these suggestions--hydrangeas, hostas, and various types of ferns from tassel and holly ferns to Southern Wood and Japanese Painted ferns.  Anita Thomas of Thomas Garden Center, Fairhope, also enjoys using azaleas.  "Azaleas do much better under trees, especially pines," advises Thomas.
        Bedding plants provide color and interest to the shaded area.  "I recommend begonias, impatiens, and Torenia fournier," states Gene Kier of Botanica.  Both begonias and impatiens come in a variety of colors while Torenias are usually light blue with deeper blue markings and bright yellow throats.  Jan Helpon of Silverhill also utilizes white or pink caladiums.  Says Helpon, "We treat our caladiums as perennials.  Fifty percent will come back in the spring.  We just fill in the bare spots with new bulbs."  Anita Thomas also suggests using the Greenleaf begonia as a bedding plant.
    Finally ground cover and border grasses set off the lovely shade garden.  Helpon suggests the use of Asiatic jasmine or Vinca major as ground cover.   "The Asiatic jasmine stays low and green.  It has no bloom.  The Vinca major, however, produces a variegated leaf with a blue flower."  For a border Helpon recommends liriope or  mondo grass.  "The liriope grows to a height of about two feet, while the mondo grass is very thin-leaved and grows to a height of about nine inches."  Other ground covers include English ivy and Creeping fig.  Both the ivy and fig can be trained to climb a wall or tree as well.
        Once you have visited your local nursery and perused all the types of shade plants available, there are several more things to consider before making your final purchase.  Kim Jovings of Kim Jovings Garden Design in Fairhope makes the following suggestions.
    "First you should choose plants that complement each other. Soft airy plants should be situated next to coarser ones.  Various shade of green should be used to avoid a strictly dark green atmosphere.  In addition, be sure to add bits of color.  Many plants provide white or brightly colored blooms."
    Jovings cautions that a balance should be maintained between evergreens and annuals or perennials.  "You don't want to end up with several bare spots in winter.  Make sure that your bed flows throughout the year."  Jovings advises mass plantings in odd numbers.  She also advises making sure that the various plants have the same basic requirements as to soil type, fertilization, and water needs.
    To enhance your shade garden even further, Jovings suggests placing a piece of sculpture, an ornament, or a bench under the trees.  Another idea is to add a small fountain. If your garden is removed from your back door, leaves with a coarser texture will make the garden appear closer to the house.  For a personal plan for your yard, Kim Jovings of Fairhope will visit your home, study your lawn, and provide an on-site sketch recommending beds and plants.
    Now that your garden is in place, with lots of levels and types of plants just waiting to blossom, regular maintenance is an important factor in helping your beds reach their full potential. Gene Kier of Botanica, Fairhope, suggests placing a good layer of mulch around the plantings.  "Mulch preserves moisture and cuts down on weeds," states Kier.  Kier recommends frequent watering after the initial planting.  As plants become more established, more time between watering is allowed.  Kier advises, "Test your soil for dryness.  An average of 1/2" per week should be adequate in most cases."
    Fertilizers are also important.  D'Att Davis of The Garden Center across from Old Tyme Pottery in Foley says, "We recommend using a slow, time-release fertilizer as well as a twice-weekly dousing of Miracle-Gro."  Jan Helpon of Silverhill Nursery agrees, "We use Milorganite, a long-term slow release formula containing iron, three times a year."  Gene Kier recommends a nursery special of 12-6-6.  Because of the sand nature of the Gulf Coast soil, frequent watering and fertilizing are necessary to maintain plants in their optimum condition.
    A properly planted and maintained shade garden can provide enjoyment for years to come.  The addition of a birdfeeder, swing, or small table and chairs will add to the uses you will find for your garden.  This spot can be a beautiful addition to your lawn as well as a shady retreat for hot afternoons.  In cooler months a chiminea will enable you to continue to enjoy this area.  With a little planning, your shade garden will become the envy of the neighborhood.