|
|
|
|
The Shade Garden displays plants that thrive in the dappled shade of ponderosa pine trees. Trees moderate the climate of the environment beneath their branches (the understory), keeping temperatures cooler during the day and warmer at night than more exposed areas. The difference in temperature between gardens in full sun and those in the shade can be as much as 28 degrees Farenheight. Trees also block the wind, reducing its drying and chilling effects on the plants below. T rees, buildings, and steep slopes create shaded areas within the landscape. In northern Arizona, our numerous ponderosa pine trees shade many sites. You can diversify your landscape and grow an entirely different palette of plants by creating a shade garden beneath the trees. Shade-tolerant plants are those adapted to low light intensities. They tend to have large leaves, which improve their ability to collect light.T his shade garden consists of a mix of native and non-native shrubs and groundcover plants. Many non-native species you see here originated in other places in the world with climates similar to Flagstaff’s.T o create a shade garden, select plants according to the amount of shade they can tolerate and still grow well. Interior areas and those under the largest trees tend to be more shady, while the edges of the garden receive more sunlight. Consider thinning dense trees or some of their branches to create more dappled light, which will support a greater variety of species. When selecting non-native plants, look for cold-hardy and drought-tolerant species for the Flagstaff area.T rees consume large amounts of water during the summer growing season. Therefore, shade gardens may need supplemental watering during the dry season. In addition, pine needles build up over time beneath the trees and can smother smaller plants and reduce the amount of water reaching the soil. Remove pine needles once each year in the spring to allow the soil to warm up and to increase the amount of sunlight reaching low-growing plants.F or sun-loving groundcovers, please visit our Groundcover Garden.
|
Copyright © 2007 The Arboretum at Flagstaff
|