Shade gardens are an excellent way to enhance the beauty and variety of your backyard, particularly if you have limited area or a harsh environment. A shadow garden is one that gets fewer than six hours of direct sunshine each day and can be planted with a variety of shade-tolerant plants including ferns, hostas, astilbes, and hydrangeas.
However, shadow gardens have significant disadvantages, including poor soil, insufficient rainfall, and insect infestations. That is why many shade gardeners choose a greenhouse, a building that provides a regulated environment for plant growth. A greenhouse may lengthen your growing season, protect your plants from severe weather and pests, and allow you to cultivate a larger selection of plants, including tropical and exotic varieties.
But how can you utilise a greenhouse to build a sustainable shadow garden? How do you select the appropriate plants, design, and materials for your garden? How do you manage your garden and greenhouse in an environmentally responsible manner? In this post, we will address these and other questions, as well as give a detailed guide on creating a sustainable shade garden with a greenhouse.
Key takeaways
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Benefits of a shade garden with a greenhouse | A shade garden with a greenhouse can enhance your backyard's beauty and biodiversity, extend your growing season, protect your plants from harsh weather and pests, and allow you to grow a wider range of plants. |
| Choosing the right plants | Choose shade-tolerant plants that suit your climate, soil, and water conditions, and that complement each other in terms of height, color, texture, and bloom time. Some examples of shade-tolerant plants are ferns, hostas, astilbes, hydrangeas, and hellebores. |
| Choosing the right greenhouse | Choose a greenhouse that fits your space, budget, and style, and that has the features you need, such as ventilation, heating, cooling, lighting, and irrigation. Some examples of greenhouse types are lean-to, freestanding, hoop, and geodesic dome. |
| Choosing the right materials | Choose materials that are durable, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain, such as wood, metal, glass, polycarbonate, and recycled plastic. Avoid materials that are toxic, flammable, or prone to rust, such as PVC, vinyl, and galvanized steel. |
| Maintaining your garden and greenhouse | Maintain your garden and greenhouse in a sustainable way by using organic fertilizers, compost, mulch, and rain barrels, by controlling pests and diseases with natural methods, such as beneficial insects, traps, and neem oil, and by harvesting and storing your plants properly. |
Choosing the right plants for your shade garden with a greenhouse
One of the most important aspects of creating a sustainable shade garden with a greenhouse is choosing the right plants. You want to choose plants that are shade-tolerant, meaning that they can thrive in low-light conditions, and that suit your climate, soil, and water conditions. You also want to choose plants that complement each other in terms of height, color, texture, and bloom time, and that create a harmonious and diverse garden.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right plants for your shade garden with a greenhouse:
- Know your shade type. Not all shade is the same, and different plants have different shade preferences. There are four main types of shade: light shade, partial shade, full shade, and deep shade. Light shade is when your garden receives two to four hours of direct sunlight per day, usually in the morning or evening. Partial shade is when your garden receives four to six hours of direct sunlight per day, usually filtered by trees or buildings. Full shade is when your garden receives less than four hours of direct sunlight per day, usually in the form of dappled or reflected light. Deep shade is when your garden receives no direct sunlight at all, usually under dense trees or in a north-facing wall. You can use a sun calculator or a shade cloth to measure the amount of sunlight your garden receives, and choose plants accordingly.
- Know your hardiness zone. Your hardiness zone is a measure of the average annual minimum temperature in your area, and it determines which plants can survive the winter in your garden. You can use a hardiness zone map or a zip code finder to find out your hardiness zone, and choose plants that match or are one zone lower than your zone. For example, if you live in zone 6, you can choose plants that are hardy in zones 6 or lower, such as zone 5 or 4. You can also use a greenhouse to grow plants that are not hardy in your zone, as long as you provide them with adequate heating and insulation during the winter.
- Know your soil type and pH. Your soil type and pH affect the nutrient availability, water retention, and drainage of your garden, and they influence the growth and health of your plants. You can use a soil test kit or a soil probe to determine the texture, composition, and pH of your soil, and choose plants that prefer your soil type and pH. For example, if you have sandy soil, which is loose, well-drained, and acidic, you can choose plants that like sandy soil, such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme. You can also amend your soil with organic matter, such as compost, manure, or peat moss, to improve its fertility, moisture, and pH.
- Know your water requirements. Your water requirements depend on the climate, soil, and plants of your garden, and they affect the frequency and amount of watering you need to do. You can use a rain gauge or a moisture meter to measure the rainfall and moisture level of your garden, and choose plants that have similar water needs. For example, if you have clay soil, which is heavy, waterlogged, and alkaline, you can choose plants that tolerate wet soil, such as iris, astilbe, and hosta. You can also use a greenhouse to control the water supply of your plants, as long as you provide them with adequate ventilation and drainage to prevent fungal diseases and root rot.
- Know your plant characteristics. Your plant characteristics include the height, spread, color, texture, and bloom time of your plants, and they affect the appearance and diversity of your garden. You can use a plant catalog or a plant database to find out the characteristics of your plants, and choose plants that create a balanced and attractive garden. For example, if you have a small garden, you can choose plants that are compact, dwarf, or columnar, such as boxwood, heuchera, and columbine. You can also use a greenhouse to grow plants that are rare, exotic, or unusual, such as orchids, bromeliads, and carnivorous plants.
Some examples of shade-tolerant plants that you can grow in your shade garden with a greenhouse are:
- Ferns. Ferns are ancient plants that have delicate, feathery foliage and no flowers. They are excellent for adding texture and greenery to your shade garden, and they can grow in a variety of soil and moisture conditions. Some ferns, such as maidenhair fern, Japanese painted fern, and autumn fern, can also add color and interest to your garden with their silver, purple, or bronze fronds. Ferns are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you keep them moist and out of direct sun. You can also grow ferns in your greenhouse, as long as you provide them with high humidity and low light.
- Hostas. Hostas are perennial plants that have large, heart-shaped leaves and spikes of white or purple flowers. They are one of the most popular shade plants, as they come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and patterns, and they can tolerate almost any soil and moisture condition. Some hostas, such as blue hosta, gold hosta, and variegated hosta, can also brighten up your shade garden with their blue, yellow, or white leaves. Hostas are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you protect them from slugs and snails, which love to munch on their leaves. You can also grow hostas in your greenhouse, as long as you provide them with moderate light and water.
- Astilbes. Astilbes are perennial plants that have feathery, plume-like flowers and fern-like foliage. They are excellent for adding color and texture to your shade garden, and they can grow in moist, rich, and acidic soil. Astilbes come in a range of colors, such as pink, red, white, and purple, and they bloom from late spring to early summer. Astilbes are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you keep them moist and mulched. You can also grow astilbes in your greenhouse, as long as you provide them with low to medium light and water.
- Hydrangeas. Hydrangeas are shrubs that have large, showy clusters of flowers and glossy, green leaves. They are excellent for adding drama and color to your shade garden, and they can grow in moist, well-drained, and acidic soil. Hydrangeas come in a range of colors, such as blue, pink, white, and purple, and they bloom from summer to fall. Hydrangeas are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you prune them regularly and adjust the soil pH to change their color. You can also grow hydrangeas in your greenhouse, as long as you provide them with medium to high light and water.
- Hellebores. Hellebores are perennial plants that have cup-shaped flowers and evergreen foliage. They are
- Hellebores. Hellebores are perennial plants that have cup-shaped flowers and evergreen foliage. They are excellent for adding interest and color to your shade garden, especially in late winter and early spring, when they are among the first plants to bloom. Hellebores can grow in dry, shady, and alkaline soil, and they are resistant to deer and rabbits. Hellebores come in a range of colors, such as white, pink, purple, and green, and some have speckled or double petals. Hellebores are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you remove the old leaves and deadhead the flowers. You can also grow hellebores in your greenhouse, as long as you provide them with low to medium light and water.
Choosing the right greenhouse for your shade garden
Another important aspect of creating a sustainable shade garden with a greenhouse is choosing the right greenhouse. You want to choose a greenhouse that fits your space, budget, and style, and that has the features you need, such as ventilation, heating, cooling, lighting, and irrigation. You also want to choose a greenhouse that is durable, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain, and that can withstand the weather and pests in your area.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right greenhouse for your shade garden:
- Know your space and budget. Your greenhouse's size, form, and kind are determined by your available space and money. You must measure the available area in your backyard while also taking into account the site's orientation, slope, and drainage. Set a reasonable budget for your greenhouse, taking into account the price of supplies, installation, and upkeep. You may select from a variety of greenhouse sizes, ranging from little greenhouses that fit on a balcony or ledge to big greenhouses that cover a whole yard. You may also select from a variety of greenhouse forms, including lean-to, freestanding, hoop, and geodesic dome, based on your space and stylistic choices.
- Know your climate and plants. Your climate and plants determine the features and functions of your greenhouse. You need to consider the temperature, humidity, and light levels of your area, and the needs of your plants. You also need to consider the weather and pest risks of your area, and the protection and insulation of your greenhouse. You can choose from a range of greenhouse features, such as ventilation, heating, cooling, lighting, and irrigation, depending on your climate and plant requirements. You can also choose from a range of greenhouse materials, such as wood, metal, glass, polycarbonate, and recycled plastic, depending on your durability and eco-friendliness preferences.
- Know your style and design. Your greenhouse's look and attractiveness are determined by its style and design. Consider your greenhouse's colour, texture, and pattern, as well as how they complement or contrast with your shade garden and home. You should also think about the layout, organisation, and décor of your greenhouse, as well as how it complements or contrasts with your shade garden. You may select from a variety of greenhouse styles, including conventional, modern, rustic, and whimsical, according on your unique preferences and imagination. You may also select from a variety of greenhouse designs, including shelves, seats, tables, and hanging baskets, according on your area and plant requirements.
Some examples of greenhouses that you can use for your shade garden are:
- Lean-to greenhouse. A lean-to greenhouse is one that is connected to the side of your home or another structure and uses an existing wall as one of its sides. A lean-to greenhouse is great for compact places since it saves space and money while also using the building's heat and energy. A lean-to greenhouse may also provide a smooth transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces while increasing the value and attractiveness of your home. However, there are several disadvantages to using a lean-to greenhouse, such as limited lighting, ventilation, and expansion, as well as the possibility of structure damage. A lean-to greenhouse is ideal for shade-tolerant plants that do not require much light or heat, such as ferns, hostas, and hellebores.
- Freestanding greenhouse. A freestanding greenhouse is one that is not attached to any other structure and sits alone in your garden. A standalone greenhouse is great for larger areas since it provides more room and flexibility, as well as more sunshine and ventilation. A standalone greenhouse may also serve as a focal point and destination in your garden, providing you with a private and tranquil sanctuary. However, there are several disadvantages to using a freestanding greenhouse, including increased expenditures for upkeep and heating, as well as potential exposure to weather and pests. A standalone greenhouse is ideal for shade-tolerant plants that require both light and heat, such as astilbes, hydrangeas, and orchids.
- Hoop greenhouse. A hoop greenhouse is one that has a curved or arched shape and is constructed of metal or plastic pipes wrapped in plastic or cloth. A hoop greenhouse is great for low-cost, low-maintenance gardening because it is simple to construct, move, and store, and it protects your plants from cold, wind, and rain. A hoop greenhouse may also serve as a basic and practical building in your garden, allowing you to grow year-round. However, a hoop greenhouse has numerous disadvantages, including limited durability, insulation, and aesthetics, as well as the possibility of snow and hail damage. A hoop greenhouse is ideal for shade-tolerant, resilient, and adaptable plants like lettuce, spinach, or kale.
- Geodesic dome greenhouse. A geodesic dome greenhouse is a spherical or dome-shaped greenhouse constructed of triangular or hexagonal panels of wood, metal, or plastic. A geodesic dome greenhouse is great for high-performance and high-efficiency farming since it is robust, solid, and roomy, allowing for maximum light, heat, and air movement in your greenhouse. A geodesic dome greenhouse may also transform your backyard into a magnificent and futuristic structure while providing a one-of-a-kind and inventive gardening experience. However, there are several disadvantages to a geodesic dome greenhouse, such as its high complexity, expense, and maintenance requirements, as well as the possible difficulty in locating adequate materials and parts. A geodesic dome greenhouse is appropriate for shade-tolerant plants that are uncommon or unusual.
