Advice on plants to choose

[Kelroc]

I’m a total gardening novice and would really appreciate some advice. What would you recommend to plant in a bed that’s got good sun in the afternoon for ground coverage. Ideally planting now. Also something that would thrive in the shade?

Do you want flowers, or just ground cover?Brunnera might be nice. My astilbes have done very well in shade, although they have finished flowering for this year. I also have a tiarella which is thriving in the shade.

I would look on the Crocus Website. It is really helpful in putting the right plant in the right place. Although their plants seem pricey, they are excellent quality and come with a guarantee. If you don’t want to buy from them, make a long list of plants that appeal. Quite often Garden Centres and local nurseries don’t have such a vast range so a lot of your favourites won’t be available.

Cranesbill geraniums would give good ground coverage and many of them will flower for a couple more months.

Evergreen ferns are good ground cover. If you underplant them with spring bulbs you will have a nice autumn and winter display. Use early flowering and late flowering bulbs, If you plant Aliums at the same time then you will have flowers from March until June. Then when the bulbs are finished you can plant summer plants. Hebes come in beautiful colours and are easy and reliable. For a.bit of drama Cornus Midwinter fire planted with ornamental grasses is great.

Google Piet Oudolf and the Winter Garden at Anglesea for good ideas.

Primulas for winter/ spring flowering.

I've just started planting up my really shady corner having made (several) mistakes in the past

Lychnis coronaria doing surprisingly well (and seeds like a weed)
Aquilegia
Foxgloves
Honesty (Lunaria)
The forgetmenots that are self seeding everywhere seem to be growing happily
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Pulmonaria