A Canopy of Blossom

We are very lucky having enough room in the garden for a small selectin of trees. At this time of the year their beauty is pronounced by the lovely blossoms, none better than on the cherry trees which mark the top boundary.

The canopy of the leaves makes for a very different feeling to the top level of the garden and the varying levels of shade present a whole variety of alternative planting opportunities. The border beneath the cherries is currently home to a hedge of predominantly, hawthorn and, beneath this a selection of low ground cover. The latter will be reviewed this year as it becomes invisible behind the beds of grasses in front of them, which is a pity. Consequently, I have already put two clumps of Solomon's Seal (lifted and divided from elsewhere in the garden). This is a taller plant and hopefully its white flowers will stand out in the shade during the early part of the summer.

The Rowen tree presents a similar planting challenge but because the beds beneath it are south facing they do  receive that bit more sunlight. Also being beside the upper bench, lower, ground cover plants are much more readily visible. 

In fact this section of the garden has proven attractive to plenty of self seeders, the forget me nots and honesty being very welcome. Providing that such plants do not become overly dominant they are a perfect example of "right plant right place", as they have chosen the site for themselves.

Top tip: if rogue plants and flowers find their way into your planting scheme do not be too hasty to discard them, many are very attractive and, of course, a bonus for the frugal gardener. You can also consider digging them out and moving them to another spot in the garden.

   

 

Of course, the dappled shade also attracts other life forms into this part of the garden, particularly when the bench seat cushions have been put out for the season. Mili knows how to make herself comfortable!