Astrantia 'Ruby Wedding'

Asplenium scolopendrium

Tiarella 'Crows Feather'

• Remove the Weeds - Shady ground often becomes infested with weeds as other plants struggle to establish. The best way to prevent this is the remove all of the weeds and their roots before replanting. The area may need treating with a systemic weed killer to ensure that all of the perennial weeds have died. Ask in your local garden centre & nursery for a suitable product.
  
• Prepare the soil for planting - It very important to improve the quality of the soil in your garden. Add plenty or garden compost or manure to the ground, along with a general fertiliser to improve soil fertility and moisture retention. See our planting guide for more details.
• Choose the right plants for your soil - Do you have Dry or Moist soil - that will determine the types of plants that will flourish in your garden. Our plant labels clearly state which soil the plant is suitable for, choosing the right plants for the right place is key for success. See our Planting Scheme ideas for more info. See our plant suggestions here.
  
• Water to establish plants - To encourage the plants to thrive it is very important to water them before and after you plant them. They will then need a generous water regularly until their roots are established in the surrounding soil and can find their own supply of water.  In very dry areas it may be necessary to water regularly throughout the first summer. 
• Mulching - Adding a layer of compost and manure to the surface helps to lock in moisture at the surface.  This is applied after planting.  During the year this organic mulch will be incorporated into the soil by earth worms, feeding the ground.  If weeds are a particular problem a memebrane can be laid on the soil and holes cut through to plant.  A mulch of wood chippings or gravel can then be added for decorative effect. Either way it is important to water the ground before adding a mulch.