If you have a shady garden, don't waste time wishing it got more sun, just make the most of it and add in a plethora of fabulous features that will make it extraordinary! Any gardener will tell you that a shady garden can easily be a beautiful space, if you plan and execute it properly, so we have compiled some fantastic tips for getting more from your darling, if a little dark, outdoor area. Let's get to it!
If your garden is shady, that's the perfect basis for a super cosy spot! Use the size of the area to your advantage and look to add some comfortable seating nooks and it will feel romantic as apposed to dark!
If you are desperate to add some light, you can create the impression with clean walls and fences! Grab a pressure washer and remove any mildew, so the sunlight that does creep in doesn't get halted by grime!
Instead of focusing on the darkness of your garden, make some features stand out and overshadow the issue. Mature trees, with pretty blooms planted at the base will look terrific!
What's the best way to combat darkness? BRIGHT COLOUR! How bold you go is up to you, but let's be honest and say that this neon pink wall has added masses of vibrancy to this shady haven!
Ask for advice at your local garden centre and find out which exotic plants really benefit from a shady location. You'll be shocked at how striking and dramatic some of the less sun-loving varieties are!
If you don't want to risk your flowers dying from lack of sunlight, how about embracing a host of different evergreens? Create a rich tapestry of bright and dark greens and you'll never bemoan a lack of light again!
A shady garden can feel as though it is all walls and fencing, so cheer the look up by training climbers! Don't forget to get shade-loving varieties though, or your climbers will stretch up for sunlight and look bare at the base. Clematis is a great option!
The last thing you want, in a shady garden, is to commit to a permanent home for plants that you think will work, only for them to wither. Negate the issue with large planters that you can move around!
If you can't draw natural light into your shady garden, why not add some manmade illumination? A large outdoor fire, grill or firepit will make the whole area shine like nothing else!
A shady garden naturally feels more enclosed and private, which is why sociable seating is a must! Imagine hosting a party in a cosy and secluded garden, with a few fairy lights in place! So lovely!
For more garden advice, take a look at this Ideabook: 15 smart patio ideas you'll wish you'd thought of before.