Plants for 
shady areas 
Shade is essential in the garden for 
comfort and relaxation during summer 
when temperatures soar. However, prob¬ 
lems often arise in areas where shade is 
cast by a house wall or by overhanging 
trees and dense shrubs if the plants which 
have been selected are unsuitable for 
these conditions. As a result they often 
become problem areas and appear neg¬ 
lected and untidy. 
The landscaping potential of such areas 
can inspire a number of possibilities 
whether a formal garden setting or one 
with a natural bush setting is required. 
With a little imagination a small shaded 
corner can be transformed into a restful 
retreat by including a selection of suitable 
shrubs and ferns which provide colour, 
texture and fragrance. Features such as 
moss-covered logs and lichen-covered 
rocks can be positioned strategically to 
further enhance a garden with a bush 
setting. 
Although light is required for almost all 
plants to grow, some require more than 
others for their normal development. 
When choosing plants for low light areas, 
it is advisable to make a selection from 
those which grow in similar conditions in 
their natural environment. 
There are many interesting Australian 
native plants which can be grown success¬ 
fully in these locations, and balance and 
harmony can be achieved if species which 
blend with the surrounding environment 
are selected. 
Sites which are shaded by a house wall 
often provide an ideal setting for ferns 
although some protection from drying 
winds is required. In addition, if there are 
nearby shrubs or trees to further enclose 
an area, there is less chance of damage 
to plants by frost. Alternatively, a softening 
effect can be achieved by including ferns 
to complement other plants so that even 
during winter when gardens tend to look 
drab a fresh green colour is retained. 
Plants with strap-shaped leaves such as 
Helmholtzia, Lomandra and Dianella are 
useful for breaking up lines and look very 
effective when planted beside a shady 
pool or against a tree trunk, boulder or 
group of rocks. 
It is often difficult to create a garden 
in the dappled shade or filtered sunlight 
beneath a large tree because, apart from 
the lack of light, the roots provide com¬ 
petition to the establishment of other 
plants. However, some ground cover 
species and shrubs can be grown in these 
locations if a good layer of topsoil is added 
to the area. Care should be taken not to 
alter the original soil level around the tree 
trunk as it may be detrimental to the tree. 
Helmholtzia glaberrima 
326 
M. FAGG 
