Treasures of the shade

Above: .

Above: .

Above: .

Trees and shrubs are the quiet achievers that define the framework and character of a garden. Not only do they offer beauty across the seasons, they also provide shade, shelter and privacy.
Creating layers in the garden with shrubs filling the spaces under trees, along with lower plantings of annuals and perennials, offers the opportunity to paint a picture on all levels.
Spring is a real highlight, when colourful flowers come into bloom under a canopy of new greens. The dazzling beauty of azaleas and rhododendrons is hard to beat at this time of the year, with their luminous petals often sparkling with water droplets.
On my visit to Woodhay, in Ightham Common, the garden was shimmering, bathed by a light spring shower that only intensified both the colour and the scents surrounding me.
Set on what could be a difficult, steeply sloping site, Rosemary and John Buckley have worked wonders over the past 24 years to create a charming informal garden.

Paint a picture on all levels by creating layers in your garden

Seemingly natural combinations of small and large ornamental plants define its character. “I’m a real plantaholic and there is always room for something new and interesting,” explains Rosemary.
While the garden has evolved as needs changed over time, attention was always paid to creating and maintaining vistas. When they moved in, the majority of the sloping site was laid to lawn, with the eye drawn to the view opposite of a densely wooded slope. There was an area of flat lawn, some established trees and rose beds, which would be transformed by Rosemary’s imagination. The very free-draining, greensand soil was also a consideration in the choice of plant material to include.

Delicate foliage
Over time, much of the grass has been replaced with an abundance of shrubs, including rhododendrons, heathers and daphnes, along with herbaceous plants. Different garden areas are linked with paths, giving access to both choice plants to enjoy and vantage points for those views.
A pond, complete with a small fountain, and a stream, are key features of the garden. They are surrounded by stripey plants and the delicate foliage of weeping maples. Alive with fish, newts and frogs they add another dimension to the landscape.
Along with the myriad of plants, visitors also enjoy the unusual sight of miniature Shetland pony, Bracken, grazing happily in an area of the garden.

How to succeed with spring shrubs.

• a long-term investment, so buy the best specimens you can
• consider how they will develop
• leave space for each plant to mature
• plan their placement to blend well with the other elements of your garden
• select for interesting foliage, beautiful flowers, year-round interest and ease of maintenance
• consider soil and climatic conditions
• azaleas and rhododendrons look at home in woodland settings
• need pH of 5.5 to 6 to grow rhododendrons
• if bracken grows wild in your area, rhododendrons will too
• need free-draining acid, sandy type soil for azaleas and rhododendrons
• all rhododendrons will respond to pruning
• rhododendrons can be moved as they are shallow rooting, preferably in autumn
• increase rhododendron stock by layering
• Camellias are popular choices for spring colour
• Daphnes add winter and early spring fragrance
• trim shrubs to shape
• trim trees and shrubs underneath to allow underplanting and to enjoy attractive bark on trunks
• shrubs work well in containers, allowing you to dictate the conditions

Words and pictures by Leigh Clapp