If you have a shady spot, allow some space for epimediums

After a slow start to the year we are finally starting to see some consistently warmer weather. For many gardeners this is very much welcomed, as the garden bursts into life, seemingly growing in front of our eyes. For me it’s great to see as I love foliage plants; seeing the colours of the Acers unfurl with their fresh leaves glowing with the light behind is really quiet something; it never fails to excite me year after year. Hostas, especially the large ones like Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’, seem to almost double in size each day; and of course who could not love the rhododendrons out in full bloom, creating an amazing splash of vibrant colour. These are the sort of plants I like to grow, and all fit the same theme: they thrive amongst dappled shade and are perfect for a woodland garden.

A few decades ago, many people went to great lengths to ensure they got the full benefit of the sun’s bright rays, building decking and patios to bask and soak up the sun. More recently, there seems to be a shift in attitudes, with many people building pergolas and similar structures to help them escape the heat of the day. For some, the heat can be a little overwhelming to maintain and look after a garden full of plants desperate to be watered constantly. Creating a shade garden is a perfect solution: it helps to reduce temperatures and provides shelter from the sun, helping to prevent plants from drying out.

One of my favourite plants that is perfect to grow in these conditions is Epimediums, also known as Barrenwort, Fairy wings and Bishops Hat. Epimediums are great for not only looking beautiful but doing a job many other plants hate. They cope with such a wide range of conditions from dappled to heavy shade, and also anything from moist to dry soils. This means they will not only thrive in the shade of a large tree, but also under a tree that is stealing all the moisture from around it.

Epimedium species can come in the form of either evergreen or deciduous perennial plants, most growing to around 30cm, but this does vary from different species. They spread out with runners of tuber-like roots amongst the woodland floor, creating a carpet of lush green foliage; many varieties show washes of reds on the leaf throughout different times of the year, and especially now in late spring. The majority flower in late spring and have a spider-like flower, with four petals delicately woven together; these range in many colours from pure white through to oranges, yellows, reds and dark purples.

Some of my personal favourites are:

Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten': an evergreen variety with bright yellow flowers that hang just above the foliage. Although it is evergreen, it still sends up new shoots each spring. These new leaves come up standing above the older foliage from previous years with a lush green leaf and a red veining throughout and around the margins.

Epimedium x youngianum 'Niveum': a slightly smaller plant with a beautiful pure white flower which glows in the shade.

Epimedium ‘Akebono’: a semi-evergreen which comes up with red foliage fading to green later in the year. It grows to around 10-30cm high and is a beautiful pale pink and white flowering variety.

Whichever variety you choose, make sure you add an Epimedium or two to a shady spot in your garden.

Jobs for the Week

• Plant out summer bedding at the end of the month

• Keep an eye on watering, watering plants early in the day or late evening where possible

• Mow lawns weekly

• Hoe off weeds on sunny days

• Look out for nesting birds before clipping any shrubs or hedges

• Lift and divide overcrowded spring bulbs such as daffodils.

With thanks to Craig Woodhouse, Horticulturist at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

DIARY DATES

26 May - 3 June: ‘Get, Set, Grow’ May Half Term Family Fun

Youngsters are being encouraged to get, set, grow at Harlow Carr during half term. Enjoy a daily garden trail, storytelling with the Garden Detectives, indoor crafts and each day a chance to theme your own pot and plant up a pumpkin seed. Normal garden admission.

1 June – 1 July: Bath House Gallery – Art Showcase

If you’ve been looking for something special to hang on your wall or a decorative piece of artwork as a talking point, don't miss Harlow Carr’s art showcase offering work in a wide range of styles and different mediums. Normal garden admission.

2 June: RHS Members’ Advisory Service

RHS Members can get face-to-face gardening advice from an RHS advisor from 11am – 3pm on the first Saturday of each month and every Monday and Friday from 1pm-3pm. Come to the advisory desk in the entrance conservatory with your questions. Normal garden admission.

9 - 10 June: All about Bonsai

With beautiful displays aplenty, the Bonsai Group will be at RHS Garden Harlow Carr to offer first-hand advice, expertise and demonstrations on these special miniature trees from 10am – 4pm. Visitors are invited to bring their own trees along for advice. Normal garden admission.

As the UK’s leading gardening charity, the proceeds taken from events and tickets sales at all RHS gardens help to fund the many activities undertaken by the RHS to promote horticulture and help gardeners. For further information on all the above events please call 01423 565418.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane (off the B6162 Otley Road), Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB (if using Sat Nav use postcode HG3 1UE). Gardens open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, from 9.30am until 6pm (or 4pm Nov-Feb inclusive). Last entry 1 hour before closing. RHS Members (+ 1 Family guest) Free; Prices (excluding Gift Aid): Adult: £11.50; Child 5-16: £5.750, Under 5s: Free; Family: £29. Groups (10+): £9.50 Gardens: 01423 565418. Shop and Plant Centre: 01423 724666. Bettys Café Tea Rooms 01423 505604.

RHS Membership

Join the RHS at Harlow Carr and you’ll receive many exclusive benefits including: a monthly copy of ‘The Garden’ magazine; free entry (with a family guest) to RHS Gardens: Harlow Carr, Wisley, Rosemoor and Hyde Hall; free access to over 130 RHS recommended gardens throughout the UK at selected periods; free gardening advice; privileged tickets to world famous flower shows and much more. Call for more information.