Fabulous foliage for shade

LEAFY RETREATS: IMPATIENS, CORAL BELLS SPARK LIFE

- Alice Spenser-Higgs

Coleus Trailblazer.

Shady areas are ideal retreats when the midday sun beats down in January and February.

Foliage plants, interspersed with splashes of bright colour, can create a restful atmosphere of cool abundance. It’s the ideal place for placing a bench or a set of garden furniture where you can cool off with a refreshing drink on a hot day.

In areas of deep shade, thinning out the branches of trees or pruning existing shrubs will allow in more light for planting a greater variety of shade loving plants.

Neglected beds in shady areas can be broken up into smaller pockets by meandering pathways. The smaller spaces are easier to water and fertilise and add interest at the same time.

Enriching the soil on a constant basis is the secret of all successful gardening and before planting always enrich and aerate the soil with compost, other organic material and a balanced fertiliser. It provides the foundation for the garden.

Bring in the light with plants that have light or variegated foliage. Use the texture, colour and shape of foliage for contrast, light and interest.