| Add compost and/or composted manure. When I planted last fall, I also threw in some slow acting organic fertilizer, which seemed to do the trick (my new "topsoil" turned out to be about 75% sand, so it needed a boost). Do you have space to plant shrubs, or are you looking to stay with perennials? Do you want to plant immediately, or can you wait for a month or two? Most of the nurseries will have super sales in the fall, and you can pick up some nice specimens at a good discount. There are lots of shade-loving shrubs that work in our area - Aucuba, Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Clethra, Euonymus, Enkianthus, Hemlock, Sarcococca, Yew... Easy to grow perennials - try Hostas, ferns, Cimifuga, Dicentra, Violets...there are so many great choices. For a lush look right now, you could put in some Hostas and supplement with annuals that like shade, e.g. Fuschia, Sweet Potato Vine, Coleus, Impatiens, Angelonia, Begonias... and you could put in some of the tropical bulbs, like Caladium and Elephant's Ear - you can get them growing in pots now. Go down to Chinatown and pick up some potted Jasmines for that heavenly scent! You have to overwinter them indoors, but well worth it. You might want to order some spring bulbs, too. Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, Snowdrops, Scilla... They may not all rebloom, but should flower for you the first year. Really brightens up the dull end of winter. There's also a shade gardening forum here - they'll have some good advice for you - link below. Have fun!!! Best,
Jen |
