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Shrubs for shady area to cover fence

sls101WaFuJCjKsls101WaFuJCjK Posts: 6
in Plants
Hi, i'm not a very good gardener and until this week not really had to be. We had a conifer hedge between me and my neighbour.  It was always trimmed and and tidy on our side but our neighbour has not kept their side trimmed it grew very thick in to their garden, they have now taken them out and put a concrete and wood panel fence up.  Its very shady under the fence and i'd like advice for something to grow in front of it that would tolerate shade.  I know i can't attach anything to it or paint it.  I want to cover the gravel boards there are two on top of each other so about 3 ft before the wood starts.  The wood part isn't too bad but the grey concrete boards aren't nice. Its currently lawn but i can dig a boarder its about 8/9m's long.
Any advice would be appreciated
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Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,507
    You can paint and attach things if your neighbour says OK.
    Need more information on how much sun, your soil type e.g.clay, sandy etc
    Soil will need to be improved first though

  • sls101WaFuJCjKsls101WaFuJCjK Posts: 6
    edited April 2021
    The neighbour isn't going to allow me do anything I have already asked.  They have put the good side of the fence to them and i know they don't have to put it to our side.  The area is in shade for the majority of the day.  In the summer the sun comes round and shines on the fence until it goes down but that is in the height of summer.  It is currently lawn i'm unsure what the soil is like.  I was going to dig a border and can do whatever i need to do to improve the soil.  It isn't clay i can see that from where they have taken the trees up.
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,507
    If the area is in full sun all summer shade loving plants won't be happy.
    Sun lovers will cope with shade in winter as they arent actively growing.
    Are you wanting just shrubs or some perennial flowers as well or after a hedge type look?
    Most shrubs grow fairly tall eventually so what's your maximum height?
    All evergreen or some deciduous?
    Are you prepared to spend time looking and  learning how to look after them?
  • sls101WaFuJCjKsls101WaFuJCjK Posts: 6
    Sorry i meant it is in shade all day until tea time then it gets the sun for an hour or so until it goes down.  I want it to cover the concrete, i'm quite happy to invest my time and money.  We haven't been in the house very long and kept with the low maintenance lawn until now.  Id like colour and green, perhaps some evergreen to cover the concrete in winter?
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,507
    The list of shrubs for shade is long. I would do sone searching via Google for suggestions.
    Here's just one web site start with https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/gardens/advice/a1298/best-shade-loving-garden-plants/

    One of my favourites is Sarcoccoa that has scented tiny flowers very early.


  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,238
    Pyracantha would be good, you can train as an espalier or just trim it back like a hedge, it can be trimmed pretty flat against a wall or fence. 


  • didywdidyw Posts: 2,930
    Climbing hydrangea might be an option, or garrya elliptica.  These would both be on the fence.  Another option would be to cut back the lawn and create a border alongside the fence with bamboos (the non-invasive varieties), some grasses are shade tolerant, cimicifuga, japanese anemones... there is quite a choice. If you range the plants from tall to low it could look quite lush.  But make sure you improve the soil first as it will have been starved by the hedge that was taken out.
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,507
    Although Pyracantha can be free standing it's better attached to wires, the climbing hydrangea is self clinging  so both if these won't really suit your situation given that you cannot use the neighbours fence as support.
    Japanese anemone spread if happy so that could be a bonus. 
    Not sure how deep you intend to make your border but for the lush look mentioned at least 3 to 4 ft. 
    Lots of shrubs here

  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,436
    we need pictures please
  • AlliumPurpleSensationAlliumPurpleSensation Posts: 266
    edited April 2021
    I read this and thought you were talking about my new fence!

    I am currently in the same situation.  New fence, garden is south facing and the fence is on the south side creating a shadow, apart from a small few hours at each end of the day which is then partial shadow due to surrounding trees.

    I am going to make a semi woodland bed, I think.  Sweet Box and Ferns for structures then fox gloves, astibilles, native bluebells as a starting point.

    I would also like a climber but not sure if I want to put anything on the fence.


    Following with interest.

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