shaded corner bush

herbgarden2

I have a shaded corner in my garden tgat my new neighbours have recently made very open by cutting,down all their lovely trees ( they don't like trees) it has left me without any privacy to sit on my favourite spot. Can anyone please suggest a fast growing bush tgat won't need too much attention? The soul is clay but not heavy

Fairygirl

Quickest growing would be something like Laurel but it's not very exciting. Do you see the area from the seat, or is the empty space the actual bit you sit in? You might be better putting up a little arbour or a simple screen of trellis round the seat, for growing climbers. That way, you could have some scent near you as well. If it's just screening you need, hedging plants like the Laurel, or even Privet, might be the best way to block the gap and you could plant something more attractive in front of them, but bear in mind that anything fast growing will need some trimming and maintenance after a period of time.

 

herbgarden2

Thanks. Sound advice.my son put some thick trellis wire on the back of the seat and I intend to train some everlasting sweet pea the next year but meanwhile the fence behind, especially at this time of year, looks so bare, a privet is a good idea. I thought of a buddlia but I already have one on another part of the garden and as you say those types of plants need a lot if pruning

Ceres

Ivy does very well in shade and once it gets going it will cover a trellis in no time. It isn't to everyone's taste but it can provide a good home for birds and tiny creatures and it looks good all year. There are numerous varieties in different shades and leaf shapes. It can get out of hand if you don't keep an eye on it but providing you take the secateurs to it a couple of times a year, it will provide a very good screen.

herbgarden2

I than you Ceres that also sounds like a good idea.there is a lot of ivy on the nearby fence so I could use some of that. Great for breeding butterflies too