Jim Paine 15 October 2024
There was an excellent turn out for this very popular topic. We were delighted to be joined by Jim Paine an experienced garden club speaker. Jim’s background is in Environmental Science and International Conservation. Jim and his partner Clare established the Walnut Tree Garden Nursery in Norfolk in 1998 from which he retired last year.
We are all aware of the mantra “The right plant in the right place” and this was Jim’s theme for his presentation. Plants have adapted to grow in different conditions, sunlight is the basis of plant life and the relationship between light and plants is key. Aspects from full sun (more than 6 hours a day) through to deep shade exist in the wild as well as our gardens. Seasonality is a key determinant in terms of plant growth. Jim took us back to the formation of the earth, its orbit round the sun and the way in which the earth’s axis is tilted – all of which provide us with seasonality where light is the vital ingredient for plants. They have adapted to maximise their ability to harvest sunlight. Their leaves are nature’s solar panels. A plant leaf has a complex structure. A waxy cuticle enables the plant to be waterproof. Air moves in and out of the body of the leaves which take in carbon dioxide, release oxygen and also lose water. Plants that grow in shady areas have larger leaves to harvest as much sunlight as possible.
Jim went on to discuss three groups of plants for shady places. The Adaptors 1 and 2 that will grow in partial shade and the Tolerators that will grow in deep shade. In the first category are the spring flowering perennials – galanthus, aconites, trillium, crocus, trachystemon These plants will get through their reproductive cycle in early spring before the tree canopy provides too much shade. Early foraging pollinators like the bumble bee enjoy and rely on these plants to provide nectar. Primula vulgaris – a woodland marginal plant provides nectar for overwintering butterflies and narcissus, anemones, bluebells and wild garlic will flower when the light levels are dropping as the tree canopy develops. The second group will grow in dappled shade. Plants are very sensitive to the colour spectrum and do not absorb light in equal quantities – they favour blue and red but not far red light. Plants can detect when they are in the shade of other plants. In response to growing in shade their leaves will grow large. Jim gave as examples astilboides, tabularis, hydrangea aspera and ligularia.
Finally, the Tolerators. They will do well in permanent dark shade. Here we have ferns especially the shuttlecock fern and the hearts tongue fern. Solomon’s Seal, rodgersia, paniculata hydrangea, brunnera macrophylla and epimediums all do well in deep shade. Jim then went on the discuss three further adaptations – plants which delay their development until light levels increase for example by the felling of a nearby tree. Those that inhibit germination by waiting for full spectrum sunlight and those with a rapid response to a sudden change as in a breeze or leaf movement – this may be brief but enables a plant to trap some sunlight – plants do amazing things!
To end his talk Jim spoke about dry shade – plants can handle shade but it is dryness that is the problem. To try to counteract this Jim suggested raising the crown of trees to give more light and more access to rainfall. Another suggestion was nutrients in the form of well rotted manure which helps to retain moisture and improve the biological life within the soil and also to water the plants during their first season. Jim suggested hardy geraniums, persicaria, lamium and euphorbias as good plants for dry shade. With the right plant choices and good soil management a shady garden can be every bit as lovely as a sunny garden. Jim’s presentation was very well received and his videos of the development of the solar system and photos of wonderful plants gave us much food for thought.
On Tuesday 19th November Annie Godfrey will be joining us to talk about Winter Colour in the Garden. Details can be found on our website. As usual this meeting will be open to all members and visitors and everyone will be made very welcome. For more information see www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk
