The Most Expensive Mistake Is a Plant in the Wrong Aspect

Almost every failed planting scheme we are called in to rescue failed for the same reason. The plants were chosen from a photograph rather than for the conditions.

Dig Three Holes First

One in each part of the garden, spade depth. You are looking for how deep the topsoil goes, what is under it, and how fast a filled hole drains. On our limestone the answer is usually four inches of topsoil, rubble beneath, and gone within the hour. That single afternoon rules out half the plants people arrive wanting.

North-Facing Is Not a Death Sentence

It is a different palette, and often a better one. Ferns, hydrangea, Japanese anemone, epimedium and hart’s tongue all want exactly what a shaded courtyard offers. The mistake is trying to grow a sunny border in the shade and concluding that nothing will grow.

Dry Shade Is the Genuinely Hard One

Shade under an established tree combines low light with a root system taking every drop of moisture. Very little thrives there. Epimedium, some geraniums and a lot of mulch is roughly the extent of it, and pretending otherwise wastes money annually.

Watch the Light for a Year If You Can

Where the sun actually falls in February bears no relation to July. A terrace positioned for August sun can be in permanent shade for five months. If you have the patience, note where the light is at three points across a year before committing the seating.