I Had A Pachasandra Removed, Which I Regret Now, Buti’m…
Marcy Asked
I had a pachasandra removed, which I regret now, butI’m looking to replace it with an assortment of bushes and plants, flowering types. Any thoughts or names of plants that would be easy to maintain? The dimensions are around 9 x 12. Any bushes I can put in for privacy?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello again, Marcy: Do not be too upset with your decision to remove the pachysandra. Think of it as an opportunity to create a space that you will really enjoy. There are several shade-loving plants/shrubs to choose from. Your space is not huge so you can use a few evergreen shrubs for privacy and then under plant with some perennials and annuals for summer color. A few choices for evergreen shrubs include aucuba, taxus, pieris Japonica, schip laurel, and evergreen azaleas. There are many more perennials to choose from, including ferns, heuchera, brunnera, hosta, columbine, bleeding heart, hakonechloe grass, and Solomon seal, just to name a few. There are fewer options for shade-loving flowers than there are for a sun-loving garden, but a shade garden can be just as beautiful. We just have to get creative in terms of colors and textures. Visit your local garden center/nursery to see what catches your eye. Take a picture of your space with you and have a knowledgeable staff member help you choose some plants for you area. Don’t forget to leave some space for a few blooming annuals. After it is all planted you will not be sad about your pachysandra! Have fun with it.
