What to plant in my Woody garden

[reindeesandchristmastrees]

I managed to unearth this area last year. It was previously full of little holly trees and ivy. I’ve planted some shade loving climbers against the fence and some shade loving rambling roses to climb up the trees and planted some spring bulbs and some gladioli at the back.

I’d like to put more in - some grasses perhaps but also would love some ground cover as I don’t like the bare earth.

Would anyone like to help me please?
The photo was taken by me standing due east so it is facing east

Cranesbill geraniums do well in shade, lots of varieties. Lamium ( dead nettle, not stinging) is a woodland ground cover. Hydrangeas would like the edge semi shade, but do need a fair bit of watering.
For next spring I’d plant some bulbs, you could get little pots that are growing now and pop them in for instant colour.

Thanks - I’ve got some bulbs in already but could do with more

What about grasses anyone? Fancy that for texture

If you want low-growing grasses then Carex 'Evergold' works well in the shady bit at the bottom of my garden, under a huge sycamore and beech hedge.

I also love Tiarella - there are lots to choose from but the ones with variegated foliage are particularly pretty. They spread really quickly so are great ground cover and the flower spikes are glorious, and come back if you cut them back when finished.

I would put lots of bark chip down, and some flat tree trunk slices to make a path leading to something at the end like a seat. Along with the planting as suggested above. Or perhaps stepping stones as wood might get slippery.

Snowdrops, bluebells and cyclamen.

Pulmonaria should be quite happy in there and will make you a bumble bee haven.

Ferns might like that too.

If you want low-growing grasses then Carex 'Evergold' works well in the shady bit at the bottom of my garden, under a huge sycamore and beech hedge. I was going to say, grasses don't usually do well in the shade but some of the sedges do - anything "Carex" is a sedge, not a grass, though the overall look is the same.

Yes, ferns are good for shade. Hellebores do quite well. Also Epimediums.

I was also going to suggest snowdrops - now's the time to get them in.

How about hakone grass?

Ohh - off to check these out online.
thanks