Story: Gardening in the Shade
Episode: 1
Presenter: Sue McDougall
Air Date: 27 February 2021

Trees make a beautiful addition to the garden, but sometimes it can be difficult to establish a garden under their shady canopy. Sue shares her top tips for gardening in the shade.

• Select plant varieties that thrive in dry area shade, like clivias. They are hardy, cope with root competition well and have striking foliage.
• Bulbs like naturalizing cyclamens are perfect because they kept cool under the soil through summer and shoot away when the weather cools down in autumn.
• Rowena is the ideal plant for beginner’s in dry area shade because it continues to grow despite the lack of sunlight.
• Make sure you plant well-established plants under your trees, as growth rates tend to be slower and they need a strong root system to thrive.
• It's vital to look after these plants when fertilising because they have to compete with the larger tree roots.
• Use an organic controlled release fertiliser. This will improve the soil and release nutrients gradually.