Show Notes
In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we explore the fundamentals of shade gardening. What exactly is shade, and how does it differ from traditional gardening? Marcus breaks down the different types of shade—full, partial, dappled, and deep—and explains why understanding these is key to your garden's success. We also discuss the unique challenges and rewards of gardening in low light.
This episode features a plant profile of the beloved Hosta, offering tips on how to care for this shade-loving favorite. Marcus also shares design tips for layering plants to create depth in your garden, and practical advice on soil preparation to help your shade garden thrive. Whether you’re new to shade gardening or looking for advanced tips, this episode is packed with useful insights to help you make the most of your shady spaces.
More from The Shade Gardening Podcast
Why can one gardener grow magnificent heucheras, hostas or brunneras while another repeatedly watches the same plants struggle and disappear?
There comes a point in late summer when some shade gardens seem to lose their way. The spring bulbs have disappeared, the hellebores finished months ago, the foxgloves are fading and even the hostas and ferns may be looking tired. Autumn hasn’t quite arrived either, leaving the garden caught somewhere between two seasons.
This extraordinary summer has left many established shade gardens looking almost unrecognisable. Hellebores have collapsed, astilbes have disappeared, hostas have fried around the edges, and even dependable ferns and hydrangeas have struggled.
Have you ever planted something that you later wished you hadn't?
Dry shade is often described as one of the toughest places to garden. Beneath mature trees, alongside hedges, or in those forgotten corners where sunlight is limited and the soil always seems dry, many gardeners simply give up.