what ground cover for partially shaded area under hemlocks?

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jclauson Johnstown, NY Oct 28, 2010

A west facing property in the Adirondak Mountains has been partially cleared for a new house. The soil is well drained duff with little or nothing now growing besides the remaining trees. What are good ground covers? Bearberry has been recommended. Where can I buy Bearberry or other recommended groundcover in this area?

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Nov 26, 2010

There are many, many plants that will grow well in shade, But, your soil will be very dry, empty of food for any plants to grow, I would suggest you get some form of machinery to break up the soil where the trees have been removed, then you can add any amount of leaf mould to where you want to plant, it will also allow you to see the area in a new light and decide how or where you want beds, paths or just exactly where you want any other features lice a seating area or whatever, at the same time I would also suggest you pop along to your local library / book store to search for books on gardening in shade/ dry, wet or sandy soil, you will find out what type of soil you have by purchasing a very cheep soil testing kit from garden center and also look at what grows in shade in your neighbourhood, parks are a good place to look as they are well established and the folks that work there are very helpful, everywhere in the world I have ever traveled to has been a gardening experience as I end up dragging my husband around Botanical gardens etc, they are a mind-field of info, and have plants that we cant grow and plant we try to grow, the staff are great at helping you understand the needs for the conditions you and the plants require to
grow well, I am sure you will get the area looking good and enjoy doing it, so if you are still stuck for planting suggestions and names of plants, get back to the site with more info re your soil type, does it get morning sun now the trees are down or evening sun, all these things matter when choosing the right plants, so take your time and enjoy. good luck. WeeNel.

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landscapetech55 Toronto, Canada Jan 19, 2011

A nice plant, 12" height or less, which will grow in dry shade, is Japanese spurge, pachysandra terminalis. forms tiny yellow flower clusters on terminal branches. Hardy and interesting. Grows well in northern ontario (long, cold winters)

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Malus2006 Coon Rapids, MN(Zone 4a) Feb 26, 2011

Well Pachysandra are now vulnerable to a disease that's spread around those days - cause spots on leaves and bare spots where entire plants dies. I will go with Canada Wild Ginger Asarum canadense - they are very tough native that will grow in dry shade.

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