I’ve got myself a gardening project that I’d like to start, but honestly have no idea where to begin. I have very little gardening experience–I’ve planted a few small things such as the occasional lavender bush or tomato plant, but I have never planned out a whole section of landscaping like this before.
Here’s the situation: we live in a guest house in the back of a large property. There is a small section of the property that is fenced off on the north side of our house that measures approximately 15 feet by 30 feet, and is almost completely closed from direct sunlight by the house and several tall trees.
I’d like to turn this into a little patio-type garden–I’d like to lay down an area of paver stones (about 10’ by 20’) in the center, and then around the area, work in different types of shrubs like camillias, and perhaps grow some ivy or vines to cover the fences. I’m thinking I’d also like to grow a little ivy on the side of the house, to soften the edges and make things look more lush. I’d also like a ground cover like baby tears–would that grow between the paver stone if planted correctly?
So, I’m looking for your opinions on the best way of setting up the garden: Should I start with the paver stones first, then do the planting (basically working from the center, outwards), or do the planting first? Also know that I’m not looking for flowers and color as much as I am for a very green and lush look. I would like some blooms (as in a few camillias), but that’s something I’m willing to sacrifice over having plenty of greenery.
I’m in Southern California, so what kind of plants would work well in (1) the shade, (2) the climate, and (3) drought resistant for those dry summers?
So, you green thumbs of the teeming millions, do you have any advice or favorite gardening websites you can push my way? Anything you can do is going to be a huge help.
Pave first.
Then plant.
The wonderful thing about California is that almost anything grows there.
I moved to Las Vegas and sadly, the same is not true…plus, I have blaring sun everywhere. I was amazed to find most palms need some shade…go figure.
The shade is actually better for lots of plants, as many do not need, nor want, direct sun.
At most nursery locations, they have labels on plants that tell you which need direct sun, and which don’t.
My SO used to own flower shops and has a huge green thumb. One of the biggest problems people have with new plants is that they do not water them enough at the beginning. You really have to soak the suckers big time until they take root. I mean a lot of water. A week, at least. Then you can taper back and let nature take its course.
As far as what to plant, take a walk through the neighborhood and see what is growing. And talk to anybody at a good nursery and they will tell you what does well, and what doesn’t.
Oh, and from experience…think long term. Don’t plant something that grows to 8 feet only 3 inches from the wall!
Ivy looks great, IMO, growing on the side of a house, but are you aware that it will destroy even bricks? Just thought I’d point that out in case you didn’t know.
If you know you are looking at some serious damage done to your wall and still want the look… carry on
See, I was aware of this, I was just hoping someone else knows of other vines that do well in shade but don’t do the same level of damage that ivy can do.
Java, go to your library or bookstore & get a book on shade gardens. There are plenty of them. I grow hostas & impatients in my mid-South shade garden, but there are many, many plants that love shade.
Lariope (“monkey grass”) does well in shade and it looks pretty. Sweet woodruff is a nice ivylike shade plant that won’t destroy bricks. Ferns-yeah. Huchera likes shade: one variety is Coral bells, but there are other less purple kinds. Many herbs can do okay in the shade, if they get a little sun. Stay away from vinca–it is invasive. These are mostly perrenials. There are many annuals, like petunias and, as summerbreeze mentioned, impatiens, that do very well in the shade.
Java, since you are in SoCal, call up the Theodore Payne Native Plant Society and they will be happy to either suggest natives that do well in shade (there are some salvias that come to mind) and will not require copious amounts of precious water, or refer you to a landscaper well versed in natives. The Theodore Payne folks are great.
They have a website, but I can’t remember it off the top of my head – do a google search and you’ll find it.
Cast iron plants are deep green, shade loving and about 2 1/2 feet high. Might find a place in there for them somewhere. My impatiens do well in the shade, as does Katie Ruella and both are flowering. Ardesia and adjuga are two possible groundcovers that might work for you.
go to jackson and perkins. they sell a shade garden, i believe it is about $49. you can buy bits of it instead of the whole but it will give you an idea of what plants will work.
I was going to suggest hellebores, astilbe, ferns, ligularia - but I think all these might suffer in very dry climes. Aquilegia may be OK in part shade, maybe Ophiopogon?
