Identifying Problematic Sun Areas
Creating a fairytale-like garden may seem like what all gardeners want‚ but for most‚ there are some areas of the garden that are a fairytale and others that feel like a problem to be solved․ It seems that so many of the difficult spots are the worst ones‚ the ones that get too much sun‚ or too little‚ ones that are too wet or too dry․ I've had many of these fail to grow in my garden‚ leaking frustration into my otherwise joyful gardening experience․ I learned a lot about how they tick and how to turn the toughest spots into pockets of biodiversity․
The sun is a necessary factor in plant growth․ However‚ the sun will sometimes burn certain areas of the garden‚ as well as create shaded parts of the garden for parts that are not directly exposed to the sun․ There may also be areas of problem sun around the trunks of very large trees or next to a fence․ On these areas‚ it is important to know the location and the maximum and minimum exposure to sun throughout the day․ By observing which parts of her garden get full sun‚ dappled sunlight‚ or permanent shade‚ the gardener is beginning to plan to use what is already there to her advantage‚ or correct its shortcomings․ Sun or shade is not the last word․ There are far more things to be observed than can be stated here․
Microclimates and Their Effects
Microclimates can also be related to other aspects․ For example‚ the reflected heat from a brick wall‚ or the coolness in an area of the garden which enjoys shade on one side‚ are two microclimates that may not be obvious at first glance․ For example‚ I had once planted ferns where they seemed to be in a perfect location‚ and yet they were too hot in the summer because the sun was reflecting off my garden shed wall․ In an area of my garden where it was too dark‚ I had tried to grow vegetables in the ground‚ and they all flopped․ Having a good understanding of microclimates‚ I have grown to appreciate their subtle differences and have adapted my garden plans and plant selection accordingly․
Seasonal changes in the angle of the sun allow different parts of the garden to be illuminated by the sun at different times of the year․ An area that in the spring felt like it had the perfect amount of light can suddenly become too much light‚ drying up the soil and burning out plants that prefer it cool and wet․ An area that in the summer felt bright and sunny can suddenly be dark in autumn or winter when the trees have lost their leaves․ I then had to learn what these seasonal intervals were about so that I could plant not only for the present season‚ but for whatever seasonal intervals might follow in the future․
One thing that I have used when faced with these pesky sun areas is to use companion planting‚ which is the practice of growing certain plants close together for mutual benefits․ Finding the right garden solution is the key․ Taller species can also provide shade to smaller‚ more delicate species‚ softening the intensity of the sun's rays․ I have also been surprised when attempting to grow species that are native to my area․ Such plants are usually suited to the local conditions and can succeed in places where many other plants seem to fail․ Diversifying the texture and color of plants will also help such areas to thrive․
Creating Shade Structures Effectively
Building shade structures has been a part of my gardening endeavors too․ I've constructed lightweight shade houses‚ with white cloth draped over wood frames‚ to give plants a little filter from the constant daylight overhead․ This protection is especially important for tender plants․ Trellises planted with vines can create pleasant shaded areas in places where few other plants can thrive․ Trellised vines may provide shade on walkways or in other sitting areas where daytime sun may be unwanted․ In addition‚ the trellis adds another design element․ As I walk through my garden‚ I have come to enjoy seeing these purposeful additions that are both utilitarian and pleasing to the eye․
So‚ I have learned much from trying to garden in the hard-to-grow areas․ The garden is not only a collection of plants‚ it is a living testament to the struggles I have gone through to create and sustain life․ There have been some problems as well in terms of sun not hitting the right spots or seasonal weather changes‚ but I am learning to appreciate the elegant balance of a garden‚ and the necessity of observation and attention to detail․ In fact‚ I concede that every plant which flourishes in a long-challenged corner of my garden is a triumph of teaching․ And with a little innovation‚ patience‚ and creativity‚ even the most unlikely spots can become impressive new sections of our green spaces․
