The Rutland Group of the Hardy Plant Society staged another excellent lecture in October when Timothy Walker, Ex-Director of Oxford Botanical Garden entertained members and visitors with his observations on a ‘Shade and Woodland Garden’. Trees throughout the world provide a large level of cover and are a very important part of the landscape. During his career he has travelled to study various woodland habits. In the Algave forests are invigorated by fire and similarly in other areas of Portugal Eucalyptus resprout. In Tenerife the ‘Euphorbia mellifera’ grow to a great height of 20ft due to the conditions.

The regeneration of trees is an important as they anchor soil and play a huge part in conservation. Different soil types allow different plants to survive, like ‘Lodoicea maldivica’ which produces the largest seed in the world, if only 2 a year! China’s and Japan’s forests allow’ Tricyrtis’ to grow in alkaline soils on the edges of the woodland. Japan suffers from hurricanes but the forests rejuvenate afterwards. Karri trees are a S.W. Australian feature but Ferns cannot tolerate fire. In contrast in Almeria, Holm Oaks have survived and in Yosemite massive trees have thwarted forest fires. Then in England, one of Timothy’s favourite woodlands is Savernake Forest with its ancient Oaks.

He covered various types of shade and his favourite perennials from drifts of Snowdrops, to later Foxgloves, Anemones and Pulmonarias. These flourish in areas of all-year-round shade. Arisarums prefer shade and Ferns part-shade. Interesting ‘Decaisea fargesii’ (Deadman’s Fingers) and ‘Stachyrus praecox’ also flourish in this condition.

Walls can also provide shade and on an E. or W. wall ‘Garrya’, ‘Itea’, ‘Ribes speciosum’ and Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’ thrive.’ Hydrangea petiolaris’ can tolerate being grown on a N. wall. Timothy then covered a range of garden worthy hardy perennials both for interest and tolerating various levels of shade, which will be made available to members if they wish, shortly. He recommended visiting Kiftsgate Court and particularly the Green Garden there for inspiration on possible planting.