Planting under established shrubs \ideas for semi shaded borders..

[cpm82]

Hello all

I've got one side of the garden that's dominated by fairly large shrubs. Unfortunately this has left ground level pretty miserable and bare. Oh and the soils shallow and hard to dig through excessive shrub roots.

My aim is to install lawn edging to allow deeper beds through additional soils compost. Is this a good idea?

Also any suggestions regarding perennials that's would appreciate semi shaded conditions like these?

Cheers

[Dianaalice]

Hardy geraniums would suit well especially if you are going to improve the area a little. Lots of colours and varieties. Not to be mistaken with perlargoniums though.

[veggiechicken]

Are they evergreen or deciduous shrubs?

[cpm82]

They're all evergreen

[Nicos]

I tend to put tubs and pots in places like that, then they can be moved about a bit from time to time.

They'll need watering, but I imagine so too would anything planted in the soil so close to large shrubs.
Most tall plants growing close to shrubs tend to bend forwards to get more light if it's semi shaded , and may eventually collapse.
Hence my reasons for tubs.
(Also nasturtiums in the summer might thrive there.)

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Depends on the situation and conditions you have, and yes it is a very good idea!

Dry Shade: Wood anemone, astrantia, Euphorbia, hellebores, hydrangea macrophylla, skimmia's, fatsia, lily of the valley, anemone's, ivy (Although a thug) so word of warning! Cyclamen, snowdrops, and pyracantha to name but a few (Although the later is more of a bear trap and are Chuffin lethal!

Damp Shade: Dicentra (Bleeding Hearts) I adore these plants , astilbe's, cowslip, ferns, Hosta's, trillium, angelica, soloman's seal and brunnera, the list is pretty much endless, and I wish you all the very best to achieve what your after!

[Jungle Jane]

What I did with my similar border was add bulbs in the autumn,crocus & daffodils come up early in the year then a bit later on tulips come up,you can plant a mix that flowers for months. I've got a really shaded area so I planted some centranthus under a shrub for some colour,it self seeds & be careful near walls apparently,in a sheltered spot the seeds don't travel far though,about 1meter?

[cpm82]

Thanks for the suggestions guys

About to get going with installing our edging. Debating what to do with nourishing the soil following that..