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Dry
shade is found under the cover of shallow-rooted trees that
can sap moisture and nutrients from neighboring plants.
Damp shade is located next to ponds and streams and supports
bog-plant varieties. |
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Starting
a Shade Garden
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- Determine the shade characteristics of the location.
- Establish the garden in the cool spring or fall.
- Enrich the soil with organic matter.
- Do not disturb the bare surface roots of the trees.
- Mulch two to three inches to keep the soil cool.
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Improving Light Conditions in Shady Areas
Prune the lower branches of trees screening the garden to
increase light and air circulation. Prune on a sunny day to
witness the light improvement. |
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- Prune out the center of smaller trees and bushes (this
also helps to open them up).
- Paint dark walls white or put reflector sheets on them
to enhance sunlight.
- Mulch using light-colored media such as stone, gravel
or white sand.
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Insect
Pests
A shade garden is generally cool and moist and attracts creatures such as slugs, snails and earwigs. They can be controlled
by handpicking or by top mulching using coarse sand or diatomaceous
earth.
Soil
Shade-garden beds may evoke images of acidic and humus-enriched
soil under thick forest umbrellas. Mimicking those conditions
will reward gardeners. Soil should be mixed with good-quality
compost and humus. Enrichments last longer in these often-protected
gardens and help keep soil moist, nutritious and airy. |
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