4
Vertical Layers of the Forest
– Woodland Gardens
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Series
CANOPY
UNDERSTORY
SHRUB LAYER
GROUND LAYER
ROOT ZONE
shrubs, followed by lower-growing
perennials, and finally ground
covers.
If you choose plants that
replicate this pattern, you’ll create
a garden that looks natural, allows
for a greater variety of species,
and is the most useful for wildlife.
At the same time, strive to
include plants with different bloom
times, different leaf types and
growth habits for cover, some that
are evergreen and others that are
deciduous, and some that provide
food sources for wildlife, including
nectar, nuts, and berries.
Some fruits are eaten as soon
as they ripen, while others become
palatable only after a succession
of freezing and thawing, making
them good late-winter food
sources when most other things
have disappeared.
There are a few general design
tips that will help you create a
shade garden that is pleasing to
the eye. Because shade plants
tend to produce flowers that are
more subtle in color, you will rely
more on texture, shape, and subtle
color variations to create impact.
Strive for differences in leaf
characteristics. Combine feathery
ferns with plants having wide, large
leaves. Look for variegated leaves
and light-colored or peeling bark to
add interest.
Glossy leaves will have more
impact than dull ones, and
rounded or weeping forms create a
greater sense of space. Plants
that are columnar in shape are
good for accents.
Suitable ground covers will fill
the visual gap between the early
spring perennials and bulbs and
later flowers. Choose ground
covers which are hardy but not so
vigorous that they will choke out
neighboring plants. As long as
they don’t form dense root mats,
spring bloomers will grow right up
through them.
As with any wildlife habitat
landscaping, provide a water
source if possible. This may be a
bird bath, a shallow container
imbedded in the ground, or a more
elaborate pond system. In addition
to providing needed water for
wildlife, it will reflect light and
brighten a shady garden.
Other structural elements to
consider are dead logs, which will
enrich the soil as they decay and
provide a growing medium for
lichens and fungi; and interesting
rocks among which small plants
can nestle and tumble.
Shade gardens seem to inspire
feelings of peace and relaxation,
so plan to include a place to sit
and enjoy your surroundings.
At last it’s time to choose your
plants! There are many books
available on shade gardening, a lot
of resources on the Internet, and
various other sources of
information, including your local
County Extension Office.
While it is very likely that your
garden will ultimately include
plants which are not native to your
area, awareness will help you make
informed decisions and will
encourage you to be sure that
native plants are also part of your
design.
Perennial plants will be the
mainstay of your shade garden,
but you can also add extra color
with shade-loving annuals. Garden
catalogues, Internet sources, and
your local nursery will offer many
suggestions, and will give you
further information on the amount
of shade tolerance and soil
requirements for each species.
Leaf Textures
– Woodland Gardens,
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Series
This article was written by
Maryland Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist Cathy Gilleland.
For more information or for the
name of a Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist in your area, please
contact:
WindStar Wildlife Institute
10072 Vista Court
Myersville, Maryland 21773
Phone: (301) 293-3351
E-mail: wildlife@windstar.org
http://www.windstar.org
WindStar Wildlife Institute is a
national, non-profit, conservation
organization whose mission is to
help individuals and families
establish or improve the wildlife
habitat on their properties.
