Evergreen vines for shade: Re: Dry Shade

» Marge_Talt - Re: Dry Shade

In response to Dry Shade posted by plantgal419:

Hi Plantgal419, Welcome to Gardening in Shade!

There are numerous plants that once established can deal with dry shade of varying degrees.

Plants have different tolerances of shade and/or need for shade. What type of shade you have will make a considerable difference in just what plants will grow well for you. You say you have woods - what types (species) of trees make up that woods? Are they evergreen or deciduous? How low to the ground are the tree branches? If they are less than 15' (4.5m) from the ground, the first thing you need to do is limb them up which allows light and air in so that perennials and understory shrubs can grow. Woodlands tend to be dry in summer and on sand, which drains really fast, your soil will be dry. Can you irrigate to get whatever you plant established during its first season? The answer to this question will also help determine what has a chance of survival and establishment for you.

I garden on clay, so do not have first hand experience with sandy soil (other than in my sand bed). I do know that sandy soil needs the addition of copious amounts of organic material since it is generally nutrient poor. Adding organic material in the form of compost, leaf mold, rotted woodchips; rotted (black) sawdust bagged pine superfines will also help your soil hold moisture longer. You'll also want to keep the soil mulched unless you select a plant that actually prefers it dry - and there are quite a few of those, too. Mulching helps conserve moisture, keeps the soil temperature more stable, encourages earthworms and other soil critters and ultimately feeds the soil - which feeds your plants.

Without knowing just what you have in mind, the size of the space you're working with and more about the conditions you have, it's a bit hard to recommend plants that would be suitable for your garden:-) If you get a bit more specific about what you have and what you want, I can be of more specific help here.

One of my favorite garden authers, Pamela Harper, lives in the Newport News/ Norfolk area - perhaps not too far from you - and gardens on acid, sandy soil. She has sunny areas but also quite shady areas in her garden. In her book, Time-Tested Plants: Thirty Years in a Four-Season Garden (published by Timber Press - ISBN 0881924865), she describes trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, bulbs and vines that have grown well for her. My chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society visited her garden this spring - it's fabulous! I suggest you get a copy of her book - it's available at Amazon.com and also through some of the used booksellers on the web - or you might be able to find a copy at your local library. Since Pam's garden is in your area and her soil is similar, I feel certain you will find that some of the plants she describes would work for you as well. Pam, who's a member of my chapter, is a superb plantswoman as well as a lovely person.

-- posted by Marge_Talt