As 2025 begins, it’s the perfect time to start planning and preparing your garden projects for the months ahead. Whether you’re tackling a new project or maintaining an existing space, now is the ideal moment to assess your site, understand its unique characteristics, and make a plan that ensures success. From evaluating soil conditions to considering the impact of wind, sun, and water, a little preparation now can lead to a thriving and beautiful garden in the seasons to come.
Which factors should you consider? Are there windy corners or sunny spots that might impact the area? Are there parts of the site prone to waterlogging? Additionally, you can perform a soil test to determine the pH. A simple kit, available at hardware stores or garden centres, can help you identify whether your soil is acidic or alkaline.
If you have heavy clay soil, you will have to be prepared for a bit of water logging. Even if the soil has been broken up over the years, there will still be a pan of clay that forms at the depth just below where you would usually dig. Clay soil can be broken up by adding more organic matter and breaking it down with grit to make it more free-draining and less likely to leak nutrients.
If your site is located near moorland or a conifer woodland, the soil is likely to be more acidic. You can either choose plants that thrive in acidic conditions or work to improve the soil. To reduce acidity, you can amend the soil with lime-rich materials, such as tree start. Alternatively, you can adapt your planting scheme to include acid-loving plants like Rhododendron, Azalea, and similar species.
Understanding what grows best in different parts of your garden can be a journey of discovery. While plants don’t always behave as described in gardening guides, knowing the basics of sun and shade preferences can help you make the most of your garden space.
Certain plants thrive in shade, such as hostas and ferns. While they can tolerate some sunlight, too much can affect their vigour or even change their colour. On the other hand, some plants entirely dislike direct sunlight. Their delicate foliage can scorch, and they may fail to produce the expected flowers.
When planning your garden, observe how sunlight moves through your space during the day and across the seasons. The amount of sunlight in summer and winter can differ significantly, and this understanding can guide your plant placement. Keep in mind that shade doesn’t mean total darkness—most plants need some level of dappled sunlight to photosynthesize and thrive.
For shaded areas, consider shrubs like Aucuba japonica, which has glossy leaves, or Mahonia, which is an early-flowering option. Evergreen shrubs such as Skimmia, Osmanthus heterophyllus, and Viburnum davidii are excellent choices. In moist, shaded spots, delicate bloomers like Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis), Corydalis Blue Heron, or the autumn-berry-producing Actaea rubra can add interest. For drier shaded areas, Geranium phaem album, Epimediums, Lamiums, and Vinca provide reliable options for ground cover.
If your garden is a sun trap, such as a walled garden, the options are abundant. Many climbing plants thrive in full sun, including Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Garrya, and Passiflora. Flowering shrubs like Ceanothus, Fuchsia, and Buddleja are perfect for sunny spots.
Think Mediterranean when choosing plants for sun-drenched areas. Species with small, ovoid leaves, such as Pyracantha, Berberis, and Roses, love the warmth and light. Herbaceous plants like Artemisia, Phlomis, Papaver, and Eryngium can provide texture and vibrant blooms.
Did you know that plants with purple foliage, such as Heuchera Obsidian, require more sunlight than their green-leafed counterparts, like Lime Ricky? In shaded conditions, purple-leaved plants may lose their vibrancy due to lower chlorophyll levels.
By understanding the needs of your plants and observing your garden’s light patterns, you can create a space where every plant thrives, whether in sun or shade. With the right choices, your garden can be a harmonious and flourishing haven year-round.
Need inspiration for your 2025 projects? check out our grower’s choice posts here
Posted 7th Jan 11:52am
