I live in South-Central Kentucky. I would like to plant something pretty in an area along the back side of my garage (space is about 4.5'DX18'L). It is not "dark" but gets no light as the house faces South and the sun travels across the sky on the front side of the house. The 1' overhang is enough to keep it in the shade all day. I can add some topsoil and fertilize but the soil here is clay. I would like some height or variety in height. Flowering may be too much to ask for. At least maybe something that doesn't look too depressing in the winter?? I have been doing a lot of research but as yet I am just not sure what to do.....Oh....did I mention that I am very new to gardening and have never had a "green thumb"???? Is this all too much to hope for? Thanks to anyone that could help!!!!
Perhaps some clumping bamboo: a Fargesia such as robusta or rufa could work. Non-invasive/spreading, and particularly cheering in the winter, with bright evergreen leaves when everything else is bare.
Thanks!! Oooh, I like the idea of the bamboo, especially in the corners and back....I also thought some Hostas, Japanese Spurge and a Mountain Fire Pieris to give me the height variety I want.
thanks! I also read that bamboo, which seemed like a good idea would ruin my foundation, so maybe the ferns sound like a better idea.
This would be running bamboo: the ones I mentioned are clumping, and infinitely better 'behaved'. Rather than sending out rhizomes which could penetrate a foundation, these types sit in place, forming an eventual clump. They wouldn't be an issue, foundation/walkway wise. Fargesia rufa in particular is relatively compact, and wouldn't cause you any problems.
