The days are cooling and autumn is here.
Before the rains arrive (if you’re in the Western Cape), have a look at unsightly areas of the garden. The space between your house and the boundary wall can be one of these problem areas. This is often because it is narrow and shady, unfavourable conditions for most plants. However you can make these conditions work for you. Consider these tips:
No lawn
Don’t even think of having a lawn in the alleyway – it will never thrive in high-traffic, shady strips. Instead of lawn, put down a pathway of bricks, flagstones or railway sleepers, interplanted with shade-loving plants. Another option is gravel or pine bark mulch.
Now you are ready to plant. Check the alleyway to see where it is densely shaded, where it is partially shaded and where it is relatively sunny.
Narrow, upright trees and shrubs work best in an alleyway. Use cordylines; palms; medium, non-invasive bamboo; magnolias (Magnolia stellata); cabbage trees; silver birch (Betula pendula); the indigenous lavender tree (Heteropyxis natalensis) or tree ferns.
Plant climbers such as the indigenous star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) up the walls and use standard plants, grass species, wild iris (Dietes grandiflora), small phormium varieties and topiaries.
Here are three design guidelines to help you create a charming area.
* Illusion of space
If the area seems too claustrophobic, create an illusion of space. To do this, choose a plants with different foliage colours and sizes and which have differing heights. Create height in the constricted space by planting narrow conifers or trees.
You can also make the alley seem less long and narrow by positioning a pair of containers at each end and one in the middle. These will draw attention to the width of the space rather than its length. Positioning a focal point – such as a bench or wall ornament – at the centre of the alleyway will have the same effect.
If a window looks out on to the alleyway, putting a focal point opposite it is a good idea, as it will also be seen from inside the house.
* Waterwise plantings
For a low-maintenance garden, succulents are a good idea because they are waterwise and do not require much attention.
Many will grow in shady spots, including hen-and-chickens (Chlorophytum spp.) Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa) evergreen aspidistra and delicious monster (Monstera deliciosa).
Waterwise creepers include Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), indigenous wild grape (Rhoicissus capensis), indigenous canary creeper (Senecio tamoides) and star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides).
* Refreshing colour
The use of different evergreen shrubs, perennials and ground covers will ensure that the alleyway looks interesting throughout the year. Plants with variegated foliage, different shapes and textures can be used to make the space magical.
Choose foliage plants that enhance each other’s features, for example, a combination of plants with bold, shiny leaves, light and dark-coloured leaves will create a striking effect.
You can also play around with colour to brighten the garden and your mood. Flowers in cool blue hues are calming and look stunning in the evening. On the other hand, yellow and orange flowers will brighten up a dark space effectively.
Colour can also be included by using brightly coloured containers.
Plant taller varieties at the back of the borders next to the pathway, those of medium height in the middle, and lower-growing plants in the front.
Among the groundcovers, try a low-growing variegated liriope (Liriope muscari), which shows up beautifully in an alleyway, or the dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus Kyoto Dwarf), which will thrive between stepping stones.
For medium height, try standard fuchsias, gardenias, hydrangeas, the compact philodendron Xanadu or the heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica Fern Flame), which is a good low-growing shrub in a bright corner. The heavenly bamboo has red/purple foliage in winter and, as it is not a true bamboo, can survive shade and full sun – all in one day.
In areas where the passageway is protected from frost, try the standard variegated gold ficus (Ficus nitida), clipped into lollipops.
To add an extra dimension to your alleyway garden include plants with scented flowers such as the common Chinese jasmine or big, bold white moonflower. You may well find that this shady part of the garden becomes you favourite relaxation space.
Gardening tips
* By selecting suitable trees, adding an understory of shrubs and herbaceous plants, and filling in with small plants, bulbs and groundcovers, planting in layers adds structure and interest, and creates changing light patterns in the garden.
* Position trees with attractive bark, such as the fever tree, silver birch, tree wisteria ( Bolusanthus speciosus) and Pride of India, where they catch the early morning or late afternoon sun.
* Bergenia, with large dark green leaves and pink flowers in late winter and spring, is a hardy perennial that makes an excellent groundcover for semi or filtered shade.
* Sasanqua camellias are in flower, and like all camellias, are prone to drop buds if they don’t receive sufficient water. Give a deep watering to all camellias at least once a week and mulch to keep soil moist.
* Pansies can be grown in pots, baskets, along pathways and massed for maximum impact. Evit Series is an early bloomer in colours ranging from pastels to rich burgundy. Pansy Bingo produces early flowers on short stems. - Weekend Argus