The dry shade challenge continues, here are some (subtle) successes. March to May is the best time in the forest, so after this lot it's almost over. My favourite time to be out is early spring before the tree leaves, after long winter deprivation. I'm fond of these glamorous relatives of the deadnettle (lamium) the pink one has thrived in a concrete-edged raised bed, draping itself over it prettily all year round with silver white leaves and marshmallow flowers, the yellow one has more subtle silver patterns on the leaves.
Tiarella cordifolia (saxifrage variety)
On high stalks which raise them above the forest floor, with the light behind them they are ethereal and fluffy, close up, the florets are elaborate and fascinating.
dicentra spectabilis
Not an obvious choice for a forest but bears part-shade so I planted in a relatively sunny patch of the forest just in front of my swing seat, in the centre of three rocks which I think helps keep humidity constant. It is the French custom to sell plants only when they are in flower. I bought this last Spring, at the end of its season, half price, and its hearts immediately dropped off and it died back ready to grow again next Spring, I wondered if it would have enough light and whether it would return. I'm happy to announce it is back in glory. Known as 'Coeur de Marie' (Mary's Heart) in France, and Bleeding Heart in English, and sometimes likened to a Dutch hat when the sides peel open and raise up on each side.
Wild geranium just coming out, pink and purple flowers this year, I managed to get some grape hyacinth bulbs growing up through the leaves, and when they die back the geranium leaves will cover the tat (not sure the bulb leaves will get enough light to flower next year though).
