Comments on: Shady Foliage Combination

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:21:45 +0000

Gail, the leaves of Helleborus ‘Ivory Prince’ came through the winter beautifully in my garden. Some of the gardeners from warmer zones mentioned that they trimmed the leaves off in in late winter, just before the flowers started, as they had faded. I think that the snow and leaf cover here helps keep them looking good. I especially like the fat pink buds as they are about to open.

By: Gail

Gail — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:55:14 +0000

You do have the nicest combinations for shade gardens~~I love Brunnera, Helleborus and Athyrium ‘Ghost’ together. I can’t wait to see how Ivory Prince does this next winter in my garden. gail

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:22:37 +0000

Pomona, it’s always fun to plan a new planting spot, and I bet you have started choosing the bulbs for it already.

Some woodland plants really appreciate getting a good head start in the spring before the deciduous leaves come out and cut into their sunlight.

By: Pomona Belvedere

Pomona Belvedere — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:09:10 +0000

I always find you’re a great resource for foliage ideas, and I appreciate the details on exact amount of light these plants get. I’m planning a shady-spot planting so I’ll be reading you more avidly than ever!

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:53:56 +0000

The Garden Ms. S, I like the way these plants look good all season long. The Helleborus group extends to the left, and the Brunnera to the right. These perennials have done well here, considering that they are planted in between large roots.

Teresa, thanks, some large trees really give a garden a different atmosphere, with little shadowy nooks and flashes of dappled light.

By: Teresa

Teresa — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:49:26 +0000

Your garden is proof that shady gardens can be interesting and wonderful.

By: The Garden Ms. S

The Garden Ms. S — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:46:39 +0000

That is a really lovely combination. The cool silvers would just gleam in the shade and the textures really complement each other. You have an excellent eye for putting foliage together to create something greater!

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:54:15 +0000

Joy, I like the texture contrast between the fern and hellebores too. I really fell for hellebores this past year, and they especially brought a real gardening lift in early spring. Isn’t it fun to look forward to seeing new perennials in the next season? I enjoy the anticipation part of gardening.

Rebecca, the Helleborus are rated for a warmer zone, but all of the plants came through last winter perfectly fine, with just fall leaf cover. Their best feature is that the evergreen leaves are visible as soon as the snow melts in early spring. These plants made me feel like I was gardening in April in Edmonton, while most of the garden was still covered in snow. They are immensely cheering in very early spring, after a long time with no greenery except the conifers. The flowers are very early and long lasting.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:21:26 +0000

More beaufitul pictures, I really love the brunnera leaves. I’m not familiar with helleborus, but it is absolutely lovely. The bracts really do look like flowers and are a nice added touch. :)

By: Joy

Joy — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:09:11 +0000

That is a gorgeous combination Shady ! .. I love the different textures with ferns and the tougher leaves from the hellebore .. I can’t wait to see the two new hellebore I have planted so now I have three in a row in the raised bed by the house .. already I am thinking of next Spring ? LOL
Great picture .. it almost cools me off !
Joy : )