Right then, settle in with a cuppa, because I’ve just had the most fascinating natter with my friend Lola about container gardening, specifically tackling those dreaded shady spots. Now, you know how much we Brits love our gardens, even the tiniest balcony can become a verdant haven. But the sun, well, it can be a bit elusive, especially on north-facing spaces. That’s where Lola’s wisdom comes in. She’s transformed her balcony into a shady paradise, and I had to pick her brains!
“Right, darling,” she started, in her usual enthusiastic way, “Forget sunshine! Embrace the shade!” Her secret? Choosing the right plants, of course. She swears by impatiens. “They’re like little bursts of colour, and they just keep flowering, even with minimal sun.” Begonias were another firm favourite. Apparently, the wax begonias are incredibly hardy and come in such a delightful array of colours. And for a bit of drama, she has several varieties of foliage plants, like hostas, overflowing from their pots. I never realised how many different hostas there were, from the tiny ones with delicate leaves to those enormous, slug-attracting monsters (slug pellets at the ready!). She also grows ferns, which give that lovely woodland feel.
But it wasn’t just flowers. Lola, being the resourceful type, had even managed to sneak in some edible goodies. “Leafy greens are your friend,” she declared. “Salad leaves, spinach, even a bit of rocket, they all do surprisingly well in partial shade.” She explained how she keeps them from bolting (going to seed) too quickly by ensuring they’re well-watered and protected from the hottest part of the day (if there is one!).
I was particularly interested in her tips for maximising light and ventilation, as that’s something I struggle with. Her first trick? Painting the surrounding walls a light colour. “It reflects what little light there is,” she said, “and makes the whole space feel brighter.” She also uses mirrors strategically to bounce light around. Clever, eh? For ventilation, she ensures the containers aren’t crammed too closely together, allowing air to circulate freely. She also uses well-draining potting mix, which prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged, a common problem in shady areas.
We then moved onto the containers themselves. Lola’s a big fan of terracotta pots, but she also uses lightweight plastic containers for her hanging baskets. “They’re easier to manage, especially when full of damp compost,” she pointed out. And speaking of compost, she recommended a good quality multi-purpose compost with added John Innes for extra nutrients and drainage. She also mixes in some perlite to improve aeration.
Then she started talking about orangeries and how they enhance a garden, even with container gardening. She explained how having an orangery in an area like the UK with its variable weather, provides an indoor garden space that can be temperature controlled, offering a sanctuary for plants and gardeners alike! She mentioned that many people use their orangery to start off seeds earlier in the year to get a jump on the growing season. It seemed like the conversation could continue forever, but sadly, time was against us.
So, what did I learn from my chat with Lola? Well, shady gardens aren’t a curse; they’re an opportunity! Choosing shade-loving plants like impatiens, begonias, hostas, and ferns is crucial. Maximizing light with light-coloured walls and mirrors, and ensuring good ventilation by spacing out containers and using well-draining compost are essential. And don’t forget about those sneaky leafy greens! Container gardening in the UK can offer wonderful delights. Even without an orangery!
