I’ve been to Chelsea Flower Show, the most over-the-top but compelling event of the British horticultural scene, twice in my life. The first time was in my early twenties with two school friends, when it seemed like a lot of fuss over plants but great fun. The second time was last week, and this time I was able to get more out of it! And I’m not just talking about a very over-priced glass of Pimm’s 😀

It was the plants and how cleverly they were combined to make little magical moments which can be recreated in our own gardens that grabbed my attention. Here are 6 ideas for how to make the most of shady areas, fresh from the show-ground:

1. 50 Shades of Green

Green might seem like an obvious colour but here it has been truly celebrated, dominating the scheme and even reflected in the colour of the container. Just the blue of the simple cushion adds a real contrast, and a touch of silver in the leaves of Brunnera. The lushness of the planting is centre stage with ferns, Brunnera, Epimedium and Luzula nivea, all brilliant for shady spots.

2. Focus on foliage

From the same garden, this container idea can easily be copied at home on a shady terrace or patio: Ferns and Epimedium combined with a variegated Ajuga reptans trailing over the edge. It works well because of the contrasting leaf forms: this is your secret weapon to make shade more interesting!

3. A statement pot

I really enjoyed the balcony gardens at Chelsea. This one keeps it simple with a comfy chair and a pot planted with shade-tolerant geraniums and a tall, airy grass. Shady spots like this don’t need too much embellishment. This keeps the mood cool and calm.

4. Vertical elements for structure

Among all the lush foliage, the lovely peeling bark of this Betula nigra (river birch) stands out. This was one of the ‘IT’ trees at Chelsea this year, it is gorgeous but note that it needs lots of moisture as it naturally grows along river banks. The foxgloves also add height: they make a fantastic plant for a woodland-style corner.

5. Delicate flowers

You can do different things with shade. Go big and bold with tropical style foliage, for example, or the opposite. Here the white-flowered Gillenia trifoliata with its dark stems adds a delicate beauty, don’t you think?

6. Add water

Water is something we find naturally in darker, cooler spots, so maybe that’s why it looks so right. I love this little garden and the way the water gushes out of a corner of the copper pot into a drain. Adding water to your shady spots will give it a cooling and calming vibe.

Do you enjoy the shady spots in your garden? Hope this post gave you a few interesting ideas to try out.