Working with the existing conditions of site rather than overhauling the site often times result in very successful garden. Woodland gardens are generally planned in such a way. A shady spot beneath a stand of trees, for example, is the ideal location for a woodland garden. Prepare the site for plants such shade tolerant shrubs and perennials. This generally means that organic matter should be tilled into the soil to increase its nutrients. Also, removing some lower or dead branches may be required to allow at least some sunlight to reach the ground.
Woodland gardens, like forests, have four vertical elements; the canopy layer, the understory, the shrub layer and the ground layer. Try to incorporate each layer into your garden.
The canopy layer consists of the tallest tree which provide the shade and dictate what you’ll be able to plant. The type of canopy determines the amount of light reaching the ground. Closed canopies allow little to reach the ground and are created by evergreens and large deciduous trees growing close together, open canopies, on the other hand, create dappled shade and occur when trees are spaced far apart. The understory layer in made up of the smaller woodland trees such as the flowering dogwood (cornus florida). Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia), viburnum (Viburnum spp.) and other lower growing woody plants create the shrub layer. Ground layer plants include perennials, ferns and bulbs.
The forest landscape experiences drastic seasonal changes so keep in mind the seasonal characteristics of trees and shrubs. In the spring, beneath deciduous trees, quite a bit of sunlight is able reaches the ground. This allows perennial flowers and bulbs to bloom. The flowers don’t last long, however. As soon as the foliage develops a woodland garden becomes shady as the canopy closes. Later in the spring plants such as ferns, mosses and foliage of perennials become the prominent features in the landscape.
Autumn in the woodland garden brings colorful foliage. Trees and shrubs like the sugar maple (Acer saccharum), white birch (Betula papyrifera) and witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) add to the garden wonderful colors.
Woodland gardens can be attractive year round so incorporate plants with colorful berries and interesting bark. It is these features which are treasured through the winter months. Berry producing plants also provide wildlife with food. Many woodland plants can be considered year-round attractions. For instance, the arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) offers white flowers in the spring, lush foliage in summer, vibrant fall color and berries which can last throughout the winter. The form of the river birch (Betula nigra) is a year round feature but is most noticeable in the winter after it loses its striking yellow foliage.
In your woodland garden design remember to include benches and spaces for rest the shade will offer a pleasant respite from the hot summer sun.
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