Garden Design for Dry Shady Gardens

When you’re looking to improve the landscape around your home or business, dry areas with shade can be tricky when it comes to garden design. Luckily the modern practice of xeriscaping has provided many solutions that can be used to get a beautifully landscaped property even when planting in dry shade.

Basic Garden Design Principles

Any of the basics of good garden design apply to dry shady areas as well. You will want to think about how the area is going to be used, whether you prefer a casual or more formal style, and what your budget will be.

You will want to consider the size and shape of the plants and the visual lines they create. It can be helpful to start with the larger elements or focal points of your design, and then fill in the smaller details from there. Variety is necessary to create visual interest, but too many different colors, textures and plant species can create a chaotic look that lacks cohesive design. A common element such as a particular species of plant or a recurring color can help tie different areas together into an overall design.

For a successful dry shade garden design considering the water supply is vital. This is where consulting a landscape professional can be especially helpful. They will have ideas for making the best use of naturally available water. They may recommend grading an adjacent area to improve drainage, diverting extra water to a drier area. Including rain water harvesting in your garden design or changing irrigation methods may also be options.

The Importance of Plant Selection in Dry Shade Garden Design

One of the biggest decisions in garden design is choosing plants. You can get a garden design that is practical, unique and aesthetically pleasing, even in dry shade. It may limit your options a little more than having perfect growing conditions, but there are still plenty of plants to choose from. Skeptical? Check out this large list of plants for dry shade or this amazing list of native California drought tolerant plants. Many of these species grow just fine in shade. The growing popularity of xeriscaping means there are more plants available to homeowners and landscape professionals that tolerate dry conditions. Native plants will also grow better in dry shade since they are already adapted to local conditions.

One of the most useful garden design practices for dry shade is grouping together plants with similar water and nutrient requirements. Plants will not have to compete with each other to get what they need and will be more likely to thrive. Reducing the amount of turf lawn in a dry shady area or using grass varieties that require less water can also be helpful.

Soil Preparation is Key

When it comes time to make your new garden design a reality, soil preparation is especially important. The water and nutrient requirements of the new ­­plants and condition of your existing soil will determine your exact course of action. In general, adding organic matter such as compost may be necessary. This will help your dry soil retain water and increase the nutrients available so your plants can thrive. Mulch also serves the same purpose and additionally deters weeds. Using these together will give your new plants the best chance to establish a good root system and promote growth.

While there are lot of things to consider in good garden design, the effort can save property owners money in the long run by reducing fertilizers, water, and maintenance. Get help with your landscape design and maintenance needs. Contact us today!

Tagged: DK Landscaping, garden, landscaping