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Food |
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A shady lady |
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  We have a large property with a
lot of sun. The skyflower and ylang-ylang
are in bloom, the bird of paradise and
heliconia are flowering, and there is a
lot of work to be done in the heat. That’s
why I have a shade garden.
When you have been working out in the sun for a couple of hours, there is nothing so appreciated as a shade garden with a stream. Okay, maybe you don’t have as much variation on your property, but there is always a way (besides getting up at 5 a.m.). The first thing to consider is what direction does your house face. Ours faces almost directly south which means that the north side of the house is always considerable cooler than the other three sides. Your house might not be as easy but just check during the day and see where you find the most shade. Extra shade can always be provided by some tall plants like palms and heliconia, so don’t dither if there is not near constant shade somewhere. Now define your space. If you are going to use tall plants to provide more shade, that will be the “back” of the garden. All successive plantings should be graded according to height. How are you going to enjoy your shade garden? It is a place to work when the sun is high, but it is also a place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. Will you have small plantings along the sides of the area with a large open section of grass or stone, or will you opt for a small path and a hidden chair or two? I chose a path and chairs, but it’s up to you. Either way it will be a cooler space for you out of the sun. And what will you put in your shade garden? There are so many choices. Peace lilies are always a good choice and can be used as a cut flower. For leafy color without a stop, caladiums are the perfect answer. Colors are vibrant and, like the Energizer Bunny, keep going and going . . . |
The hybrid begonias I am finding lately have amazing colors that are truly eye-popping. Some alocasia and dieffenbachia are great if you pick specimens that don’t get too large. Epsicia, called flame violets, can be tucked in small spaces and have both bright flowers and great foliage. Then there are the orchids, ferns and zebrinas like wandering jew. The choices for your shade garden are amazing. Let me know how things turn out. Plant for the Week  Victoria Torley courtesy photo Here is a lovely vine for your fence or trellis, the Pandorea brycei. This is a woody and open vine that is a vigorous grower. Since it doesn’t have tendrils, it must be tied up to its support. Once established in full sun, this plant can resist salt spray, heat, wind and direct sun. Fertilize at least twice a year with manure. In areas with heavy rain, fertilize more frequently. ----
Editor's note: Victoria Torley, gardener columnist, can be reached at victoriatorley1@gmail.com |
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