Because of the shadowy existence: sun-drenched gardens and balconies are not a disadvantage. With the right plants, even shady corners can be dipped in lush green. And even edible things can be grown.
Berlin (dpa / tmn) - sun, sun and sun again: This is how many gardeners imagine the ideal conditions for their paradise. However, the reality is usually different: trees and buildings cast shadows - by the hour, in certain seasons or permanently. Direct sunlight is in short supply on north balconies anyway.
Such situations are no reason to despair. "Shady spots are often preceded by the reputation that you can't plant or grow anything there without success. That's not true," says Thomas Wagner from the Federal Association of German Garden Friends. "In addition to many ornamental plants, numerous types of fruit, vegetables and herbs also thrive in shady places."
"In nature, shade is a special habitat that is overgrown by very specialized plants," says garden book author Katrin Lugerbauer. "Plants from the meadow or from sunny open spaces don't get through there, but mickle, grow for a long time and fall to the light or disappear within a few weeks."
She recommends that you take a detailed look at the location and select the plants accordingly. "It is helpful to bring a photo of the location with you when you visit the nursery - preferably several from different perspectives, so that you can better estimate how shady it really is," advises Lugerbauer.
No sea of flowers, but striking leaf decorations
A colorful sea of flowers is not to be expected in a shady location. But there are also other visual highlights. Wagner's tip: "Use white-flowering plants or plants with variegated leaves for dark spots in the garden. They add accents and bright dark corners."
Under deciduous trees, early bloomers such as crocus, spring sweet pea and the Caucasus forget-me-not can add a splash of color until around June, says Lugerbauer. "The leaf ornamental plants take over into the summer, because at this time of year the trees are densely leafy and little light falls on the ground." Your favorite for full shady locations are hostas.
Not only well-known plants such as lady's mantle and columbine are suitable for the shade, but also elegant beauties such as Solomon's seal and record sheet. "These beautiful leafy ornamental shrubs like slightly wetter soils and become huge. Depending on the variety, the leaves are rounded or divided, like that of a chestnut," Lugerbauer describes. If you are looking for a special, yet robust ground cover, you are advised to use elf flowers or Japanese forest grass.
Another classic for full shade locations: ferns. Lugerbauer recommends the filigree, bushy growing peacock fern (Adiantum patum), the tropical king fern (Osmunda regalis) and winter-green shield ferns (Polystichum) with the classic dark green fern fronds overhanging in an arch.
Kitchen herbs also grow in the shade
When it comes to food, it depends on the type of shadow. "Many species and varieties also thrive in the shade," says Wagner. "With strict northern locations, however, you have to do without fruit, vegetables or herbs, but you can also experiment here." However, chives, sorrel, parsley, mint, lemon balm and sweet honeydew thrive.
Beetroot, radishes, salads, leeks, carrots and kohlrabi are suitable for the partial shade of vegetables. "Especially types of cabbage feel better in partial shade than in full sun," says the expert. If you want to grow fruit, he recommends cultivated bilberry, currant, blackberry, wild strawberry and morello cherries.
Literature:
Katrin Lugerbauer: Shadow perennials. The dark side of your garden. Ulmer Verlag, 2017, 168 pp., 24.90 euros, ISBN-13: 978-3800108312
