JULY: HOT POT ideas for a cooler, shady garden

After the frenzy of spring planting has subsided, you’ve earned a bit of relaxation time in that tempting, wicker chair. First, take a sip from a iced glass of lemonade (don’t forget the sprig of homegrown mint)… and take in your bit of paradise. Unfortunately, we gardeners can’t sit still for long and will start thinking about planting again—at least one more container…  So, at least, do it in the shade!

As summer’s trees leaf out, your garden can become a shady place. You might want to add a pop of color where the columbines or peonies once bloomed so profusely this spring.

1. Tropical color: Begonias are the stars in this summer container. For instant and long-lasting color, top off a vertical pot with three scoops of mounding, flowering begonias: richly colored, tuberous, red and pink Dragon Wing/Angelwing or the flaming-orange ‘Bonfire.’ Loving pastel colors? Blend the sugary colors of double-petalled begonias in light pinks, pale yellows and peachy tones. Finish off with the trailing vines of Wishbone flowers (Torenia) that is deer resistant and attractive to hummingbirds. Or, soften the edges of the container with cascades of variegated ivy for an eye-catching pot for your shady site. Begonias are easy to grow as annuals, if their needs are met. They thrive in conditions with light shade, rich, well-drained soil, ample water and a weekly supplement of diluted fertilizer. Try not to get water on their leaves. Begonias that get a bit more light tend to bloom more.

2. The Queen of Ferns: Keep it simple and elegant by showcasing a single specimen of the annual Kimberly fern (Nephrolepsisx cordifolia or N. obliterata) with its airy and ruffled fronds. Plant one well formed, fern in a vertical container or elevate this green sculpture with a wrought iron plant stand. A well-selected fern is the epitome of grace on a front porch or a patio under tall trees. Most ferns thrive in cooler, shady areas in rich, well-drained soil.

3. Magical, shade container: A woodsy, combination of Button ferns (Pellaea rotundifolia), airy, maidenhair ferns (Adiantum), Scotch moss (Sagina subulata) and a trio of moss-covered spheres will add structure in this unique, shade container. Ferns and moss prefer a bright environment but no direct sunlight. Button ferns do not like a soggy soil. Allow soil to dry out a bit before watering again. All of these plants like a potting mix with extra peat. Fertilize weekly with a weak, liquid fertilizer.

Here are two grasses that will grow happily in light shade:

Stipa tenuissima ‘Wind Whispers’ (Mexican Feather grass)

Although, this 18-inch tall, this zone 7-10 plant doesn’t winter well in our area, the light green and tawny wisps of hair-like foliage look amazing when used as an annual in container. It thrives in full sun, but it will grow in light shade, too.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Golden Japanese Forest grass)

This short (12- to 14-inches) and graceful grass has yellow-striped, arching, glossy-green leaves with no noticeable blooms. It is a perennial and best grown in part-shade in zones 5 to 9. The graceful, chartreuse-yellow foliage will brighten any shady garden.

For more gardening information, visit our website at http://www.pasquesi.com/expert-advice.html