Wednesday Vignette – Side Garden
Fine, it’s actually Thursday at this point, but don’t get hung up on technicalities. On to the vignette.
The west side of our house is a little bit challenging.The relatively narrow side yard between our house and the neighbors’ is mostly shady. There is also a rain shadow from the roof that keeps the area right along the brick wall fairly dry. Here you will find the path that leads to the back garden.
In late April you can see the Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) leafing out along the stone path. Many people prefer the shiny European Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum). Both are good groundcovers for shade, but I prefer the downy, olive green leaves of the North American species. This is not the same as culinary ginger, though the roots are edible and have a similar smell.
At the near end Great Merrybells (Uvularia grandiflora) are blooming. It’s hard to see, but among the Wild Ginger Lady Ferns (Athyrium filix-femina) are unfurling. Closer to the wall, ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are just starting to leaf out. ‘Annabelle’ is a rugged shrub, quite happy in dry shade. Later in summer its big, white puffball flowers will make their appearance.
From this vantage point you can’t see the moist north end of the border. There you will find White Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis var. alba) and Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans), among other plants.
Wednesday Vignette is hosted by Anna at Flutter and Hum, follow the link to see more intriguing garden scenes.
You don’t often show this view. Passageways are often a bit forgotten as we go from one place to another.
They are sort of the stepchildren of the garden.
Those Merrybells add some sunshine there.
That’s exactly what they do. And if the soil is not too dry they will make a nice groundcover after the flowers are done.
I like this view. Very inviting.
Thanks!
Charming!
Glad you think so!
Demanding circumstances limit the choices. You have made some good ones here and created an inviting path of discovery.
Shade can be a challenge but it sounds like you’ve overcome it. Solomon’s seal might also work there.
Such a warm and welcoming pathway. The Wild Ginger is filling in here, too. I find myself wanting more of it. It’s becoming a favorite native ground cover.
I grow those Merry bells too, as well as the ginger. The ginger is evergreen here, and the Uvularia is such a welcome sight in spring. I can imagine that when your Annabelle open, this side yard is much more spectacular than you give it credit for. It looks lovely even without their help!
And, thanks for joining in, Jason! 🙂
This is a very charming path.
I was having problems leaving a comment on your blog for some reason. I see one went through, but I tried so may times. Not sure of the WP issue, but it seems fixed
That i s a pretty little path, I do like the ginger, good it’s edible too! I will look forward to seeing the arbor covered in roses.xxx
Thanks. ‘Darlow’s Enigma’ seems slow to leaf out this year.
Nice to see a new view of your garden. Those Uvularia look wonderful, do they increase with you? Mine come back each year, but the clump never seems to get any bigger.
The definitely spread in my garden, though not with lightning speed.
I really like the stone pathway. What other plants do you recommend for dry shade?
Epimedium, white woodland aster, big leaf aster, celandine poppy.
Lovely side garden Jason….
Thank you!
We have the same problem with our house and a neighbor. They have high bushes which add more shade. Your side yard is lovely. You have a knack for picking the right plants to fit the right place:-) I admire that!
Believe me, there are plenty of dead plants who would tell you otherwise. Fortunately I get to throw my mistakes in the compost.
Hello Jason, that’s a very inviting garden picture there and I particularly like the rose arch and how the sunlight is in the background while the fore in in shade. The quirky path, fence and greenery give it a very cosy and homely feel.
Thanks!