Shade is cited by more Hampshire homeowners as a garden problem than almost anything else. Whether it comes from a neighbouring house, mature trees or a north-facing aspect, shade does not have to mean a poor garden. With the right approach, shaded gardens can be among the most beautiful and peaceful outdoor spaces.
Types of Shade and Their Solutions
Not all shade is the same — and understanding the type you are dealing with is the first step to solving the problem.
- Dappled shade under trees: ideal for woodland plants like hellebores, ferns
- Dry shade under conifers: very challenging — focus on epimedium, cyclamen
- North-facing borders: good for hostas, astilbes, ferns, climbing hydrangea
- Deep shade from buildings: hard to plant, consider paving or gravel with pots
- Partial shade: the easiest to work with — vast range of plants suitable
Improving Light in Shaded Gardens
Crown lifting mature trees — removing lower branches to raise the canopy — can dramatically increase light reaching the garden below. Thinning overcrowded tree canopies also helps. Always use a qualified arborist for significant tree work.
Design Strategies for Shade
Use pale colours — white and cream flowers, light-coloured paving, light-reflective surfaces — to brighten shaded spaces. Mirrors on walls and good lighting design can transform even deeply shaded gardens into attractive spaces at any time of day.
A&T Landscapes can design and plant beautiful solutions for shaded Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire gardens. Call 07735 916029 for an expert consultation.