Garden Design -
Incorporating Hostas and Ferns
By Kent Higgins
You
may think that if your only option for a garden is a shady area, you may not
be able to create a garden. If you use shade loving plants, however, it is
very possible. Hostas and ferns are perfect options for shady areas. They add
grace and charm to any garden area, and their foliage is beautiful.
Since other plants might not
do well in the shade with the hostas and ferns, you can compliment them by
adding elements such as a statuary, stone bench, brick wall, or birdbath. The
deep greens of the ferns and hostas will work well visually with the stone or
brick accessories. You will love relaxing in your shady area!
Since
the area will be in the shade, it will hold moisture longer after rain or in
the mornings, so creating a cobblestone or brick path will help to keep your
feet clean and dry. A natural bark path is another option, especially if the
garden is among trees. The brick or tiles should be used for formal gardens,
but more informal gardens will look good with pebbles or paving stones.
A
water feature is a very appealing addition to your shade garden. It will
remind you of a natural stream, and you will feel as if you are in the wild,
where the ferns and hostas naturally grow. It doesn't have to be expensive to
add this feature, as it can be as simple as a reflecting pool.
If
you use some boulders in your shade garden, mosses and lichens will look
great growing on them and will thrive in the shady area.
To
add some contrast and diversity to the garden, some of the hostas should have
variegated foliage, with cream and gold colors. When placed in front of the
dark greens of the other plants, they will stand out and really show how
green the rest of the garden is. The colors will likely match those of the
stone elements that you add, whether it's a bench, birdbath, or anything
else.
Woodland
wildflowers should bloom well, even in the shade. The colors of these will
look great against the other dark colors. Be sure to sprinkle seeds for both early
ad late blooming plants, so something is always blooming. Some early bloomers
are crested irises and creeping phlox. Examples of late bloomers are
goldenrod and mountain anemones.
It can take some time to
prepare the soil and design where the hardscape elements of the garden will
go, but once everything is in place and planted, the maintenance of your
shade garden will be low. Ferns like the classic Boston fern will be a great addition to your landscape,
whether it's your only option or you have it just in the shady part of a full
garden landscape.
The Boston fern plant has been a favorite since the 1900's. In fact
ferns are making a comeback. Learn more about this classic plant which has
been improved at http://www.plant-care.com/boston-fern.html
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by Kent Higgins
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