Shaded area under trees

Alison 39

i have a problem in that I have a shaded area under trees. To utilise the area I turned it into a fairy garden for my niece. However, lack of interest by a 9year old has given me the opportunity to develop this area. The problem I have is that there is no earth under the tree, it’s just root. As a short term measure I’ve bought a huge terracotta pot and put a selection of hostas in it. The garden is being landscaped in the autumn or spring of next year and I’m probably going to move the path over a bit so that it uses the dead area. Should I put a raised bed under the tree? Obviously not up to the bark. Has anyone any ideas? 

Fairygirl

Hi Alison - is it dry shade you have? It often is, but if the trees are deciduous, it makes it a bit easier to get plants established as the ground would be moister over winter and early spring.
I wouldn't recommend a raised bed, as you have to be careful with raising the soil level round the trunks, but you might be able to get some little pockets of soil in among the roots and get a few little things growing.
A photo would be good if you can manage it  

Lizzie27

How about a bench around the tree and more pots with lovely plants that cope with shade

Alison 39

Quite dry yes although the garden in general is quite boggy; on the lawn anyway! I’ll put my glass of rose down and go do a photo 😊

Alison 39

Alison 39 said:

Quite dry yes although the garden in general is quite boggy; on the lawn anyway! I’ll put my glass of rose down and go do a photo 😊

Alison 39

Ignore the mess around it! 

Fairygirl

I think you'd be able to get something going there, but you'd be better to remove the laurel against the fence, and a good bit of the turf. They're only extra competition for nutrients and moisture. 
If you're going to be re doing the garden though - you might be better doing as Lizzie suggests and putting a few pots there for now. Just tidy it all generally. If you intend moving the path, you'd have to take any plants back out.
If you still want to plant just now, it's best to plant as far away from the tree trunk as possible, and put in a bit of decent soil/compost to help growth and establishment. Watering consistently for a while would be vital too. 
Take a look at Long Acre plants online - they specialise in shade plants of all types 

Alison 39

Thank you! I’m going to stick with the plants until the path is moved. I’ve had the top of the garden re-designed and asked 3 companies to quote but none replied. I saw another company on our road and got his business card, rang him and left message. Once again no reply. It’s a nightmare trying to get anyone to do anything.
Thanks for your help, I’ll stick with tubs until the path has moved. 
By the way this is the worst area of the garden, it’s 150’ long and I’ve done loads but still loads to do.