MAINTAING A GARDEN IN THE SHADE
MAINTAING A GARDEN IN THE SHADE
Though you may not have much sun, you can still have a beautiful garden by the way you place your plants. With me, I let my garden talk to me. I sometimes place the plant in the area I think I should put it. I look at it for a few and see if it belongs there.
For example, knowing a little about the plant is a big help. Knowing its height will help to determine where your place it. If it is taller than the plant behind it, then the beauty is lost.
As you can see, there is a science to everything, including planting. Most of the plant for shady gardens are green, so choosing plants with color is very important. It will make your garden beautiful to the eyes as well.
Plants like Roderdandrums are great in the sun. But they are also very good in the shade and have beautiful powder puff flowers. However, they have to be planted in the back. In that way, you can plant smaller plant in the front. 
As for the Astillbe… I love the spike and tall flowers. Some other favorites of mine are Periwinkle, Bleeding heart, Ferns. (I love the leaves… that is where their beauty lies). Caladiums, … the colors of the leaves are beautiful! They are great for a border.
Hydrangea does great in the shade. The many colors of the flowers is phenomenal. The acid in the soil plays a part in the color of the flowers they produce. There must be different acidity levels in my ground because different locations have different color plants including one plant that has multiple color flowers.
But most importantly, most of the plants I choose, come back every year (perennial). That is why Spring is my favorite time of the year. I wait in anticipation to see which plant will come out first.
I like the Hostas plant. There are many species. Most of them are variegated and cover a lot of ground.
They are perennial. that means they come back every year. And they thrive in the shade. Because I have a lot of them, I use them to unify my garden by planting them in different locations.
My Garden Visitors
MY WONDERFUL WEEKEND
Friday I was out in my garden for a few hours and I saw a few butterflies,” WOW” what a beauty!
So I remembered going to a butterfly aquarium and one of the things they did was to put out orange slices for the butterflies. So, I decided to do the same. I cut 2 oranges in half and put them in different locations. About a half to an hour later, there were over 10 to 12 butterflies! Can you imagine my joy and the praises I gave to my creator! That’s why I love gardening. It helps me to appreciate nature.
POURING RAIN
Rain pouring outside and I can’t go out and play in my garden! Saturday afternoon is dedicated to the maintenance of my garden… but the rain keeps coming. Mind you, I love the rain and I know my plants love it to! For one thing, it means that I don’t have to water for a couple of days.
So, I decided to do a little research for my blog. Sitting at the window and looking outside… oh what a blessing! And a wonderful feeling. The birds kept coming to the bird bath. I had to run and get my camera. The picture above is one I took from my window.
I was not disappointed at all. The Creator took care of my longing to be outside.
Thank you, Father.
Planting Succulents Indoors
The word Succulent comes from the Latin word suros meaning juice or sap. They store water in their leaves or stem and 
roots. That is why their leaves are thick and engorged. Because of their beautiful and unusual appearance, they are often grown as ornamental plants.
They have the ability to thrive with minimal care– with just mist or dew. That is why their habitat is in areas that often have high temperatures and low rain fall. For example the desert.
Not all succulents like direct sunlight…
They are built to withstand drought, and so they should only to be watered once the soil is dry or once a week. They are drought resistant plants. in which the leaves stem or roots have are more than unusually fleshy and able to store a larger quantity of water.
Since they have shallow roots, they are especially suited for small containers. But if you are creating a garden or using a larger container, then use more plants but use some fillers like rocks or small pieces of pine bark. Or crush granite. Because the more soil in the container, the longer it will take to dry out.
Xerophytes
“Xerophytes” is the name given to plants such as these Succulents because they can adapt to different climates. They also are able to make their leaves smaller, so they use less water.
Succulents can be a great addition to any garden, and can make excellent houseplants. Once you adhere to the routine, they are really easy to take care of.
A FEW TIPS FOR THAKING CARE OF YOUR SUCCULENT.
- Plant in containers with good drainage to avoid rot.
- Take extra care if you are planting in an unusual container like tea pot, watering can or birdcage. You may have to make adjustments when watering.
- The fact that they absorb water from the surrounding air and not through direct contact, is why sitting in wet soil causes their roots to rot and their leaves to fall apart and causes the plant to die.
ARE YOU USING THE RIGHT SOIL.
Though, watering is a major cause of death with succulents, the correct soil is a much bigger factor.
Make sure your plant soil is completely dry before you water. When you do, try to water thoroughly. Because they ideally spend life outside, we should give them as much sunlight as possible. Preferably. inside by the window– facing the south.
Remember, most garden soil holds moisture. So, to avoid your plant from rotting, use a well draining soil blend of your own.
There are soils specificly for succulents. The cactus soil can be used because it does not hold moisture.
Because of their shallow roots they grow slowly, so feel free to pack them tightly.
While most Succulents prefer lots of sunlight, some prefer the opposite. So research your specific plant.
Treat them like houseplants, watering them sparingly and when it is time for watering water deeply.
The succulent family is enormous, they grow in different shapes and sizes, with the most popular being “Hen and Chicks”.
This may seam like lots of information! But just remember:
- Let the soil dry out completely before watering.
- Lots of sun.
- Proper drainage.
- Water thoroughly.
- Treat your succulent like houseplants
- Use specific cactus soil or make your own.
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