Woodland Wonders

Large trees are the biggest cause of shade in the garden, plus they take most of the available moisture away from other plants. But there are plenty of plants that will survive under trees, so don't despair!

Cranesbill geraniums have to be one of the best plants to put in. A genus of approximately 400 species, these plants thrive in dry shade and provide months of interest both with their lovely shaped leaves and bountiful flowers. Cut them back after first flowering and they'll reward you with another crop of flowers late in the season. A huge selection of cranesbill geraniums is available from Manor Nursery.

Hellebores are a fabulous genus of plants that tolerate all kinds of shade - both damp and dry. They will flower in early spring and then, once you've dead headed them, the leaves of the evergreen varieties will give interest to a shady border throughout the year. They come in a huge variety of colours from white and cream through to subtle purples and pinks. Try Hellebore 'Kayes Garden' hybrids (£3.45) from Manor Nursery.

Other shade-loving shrubs include Euonymous 'Emerald n Gold' which has bright variegated leaves to brighten up a dark corner. You can also clip this shrub into a tidy shape like a ball.

Damp but Divine

Shade can be caused by buildings and walls. In this situation, the ground is often damp, as the sun rarely gets at it enough to dry it out. Damp shade is a quite different growing environment from dry shade and as such will require completely different plants.

Think of the plants that do well in this situation in the wild - ferns will thrive here, as do many perennials. Solomon seal is a beautiful damp shade-loving perennial; arching branches of bell-like flowers unfold from their green stems in the spring, heralding the start of longer and warmer days.

Damp conditions also favour the wonderful hosta. Although a favourite of slugs and snails, for whom it represents a gourmet dinner, there are hosta varieties that these beasts don't find too tasty, like the variegated kinds. Fortunately, these look best in shade anyway, as the yellow and white in their leaves brightens up a dark corner.

Alternatively, plant hostas in pots, where they'll be out of the molluscs' reach. Buy hostas, Solomon seal and other shade and water-loving plants from Gone Gardening. Tel: (0845) 1300 100.

Astilbe is a beautiful perennial. Their feathery leaves are a deep green, tinted with bronze and the flowers come in a range of colours from white through to darkest pink and purple. If the conditions are damp enough, they'll flower for several months in the summer. Available from Crocus.

Shady Shrubs

Hydrangeas, like this blue deckle hydrangea from Cottage Garden Plants, are useful shrubs for damp shade, but remember that their colours will vary depending on the acidity of your soil. Acid produces blue flowers, so if you want to keep the flowers blue, dress your soil with peat and aluminium sulphate annually. Alkaline soils will turn the flowers pink, so add ground limestone to the roots to preserve the colour.

If you want to add interest to a shady wall, plant hydrangea petiolaris as it's a rampant climber. Covered in lovely lacy white flowers throughout the late summer months, this will also add interest to a shady, large tree.

Hydrangeas and other shade-loving plants are also available from Vicarage Botanical Gardens, tel: (0161) 775 2750.

Relaxing in a Shady Spot

This is not a sun-lover's garden but that shouldn't stop you relaxing in your shady space. What could be better than to sit on a boiling hot day with a book in a shady spot, surrounded by flowers? This lovely bench from Marston & Langinger (£1830) has been painted in 'sea-green' by Marston & Langinger paints. Contact them for a brochure on (020) 7881 5748.