The Shade Gardening Podcast

• Hunting for Shade Plants – Garden Centres, Gaps, and Glorious Finds

  In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we step away from the garden beds and head into the world of garden centres, nurseries, and plant fairs. Marcus shares the real-life challenges of hunting for shade-loving plants in a market often dominated by sun lovers—and offers practical advice for finding hidden gems. We’ll cover: Why shade plants are often so hard to find The pitfalls of shopping big-box garden centres Smarter ways to shop, including independent nurseries and rare plant fairs Tips for becoming a ‘shade plant detective’ and spotting true treasures Whether you're planning a shopping trip or just love the thrill of finding something unexpected, this episode will inspire you to explore, stay patient, and fill your shade garden with plants that tell your own story.

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• Look Up! Climbers, Walls, and the Hidden Vertical Garden

  Look Up! Climbers, Walls, and the Hidden Vertical Garden Description: In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we’re shifting our gaze from ground level to the often-forgotten vertical spaces in our gardens. Inspired by planting a star jasmine near his own fence, Marcus explores the untapped beauty of climbers—plants that can transform fences, walls, garages, and shaded corners into lush, living features. We’ll cover: Why vertical gardening is so effective in shaded spaces The best climbers for everything from dry shade to dappled woodland light Practical planting and support tips to help climbers thrive Companion planting ideas for creating a layered, flowing look Whether you're working with a north-facing wall or simply want to make better use of the space you’ve got, this episode is full of fresh ideas for bringing your garden to life—upward.

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• Grasses in the Shade Garden? Yes, Please.

  When you think of ornamental grasses, you probably picture them basking in full sun—rippling across prairie borders or swaying in golden meadows. But what about in the shade? In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we shine a light on a surprisingly overlooked topic: using grasses and sedges in shady gardens. Inspired by a question from our Facebook group, we explore why grasses matter in low-light spaces, which varieties thrive in part to full shade, and how to design with them to bring softness, movement, and structure to your garden. I’ll walk you through my go-to grasses and grass-like companions—from elegant Hakonechloa to tough and tidy Carex—and share real tips from listeners who’ve had success (and surprises) growing them in challenging conditions. Whether you’ve got a shady border, a woodland edge, or a container garden by a north-facing wall, this episode will help you see grasses in a whole new light. 🌿 Mentioned in this episode: – My top grasses and sedges for shade – Design tips and placement ideas – Listener Q&A from the Facebook group – How to share your questions for future episodes 📬 Sign up for the newsletter: theshadegardeningpodcast.com/newsletter 🪴 Join the Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/shadegardening

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• Can Anything Flower in Deep Shade? – Finding Colour Where You Least Expect It

  Got a dark, awkward patch in your garden that feels like nothing will grow? Don’t write it off just yet. In this episode, we’re embracing the quiet magic of deep shade and sharing how even the gloomiest corners can become lush, layered, and full of charm. From choosing resilient plants like Pulmonaria and Epimedium to creating a living tapestry of texture and subtle colour, we explore how shade gardening rewards patience, observation, and a slower rhythm. You don’t need a complete makeover—just a thoughtful start and a willingness to let nature take its time. Tune in and discover how a single plant, a softened edge, or a touch of silver foliage can begin a beautiful transformation. Let’s fall in love with the shade—one gentle step at a time.

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• Hydrangeas in the Shade – Spring Care and Growing Gorgeous Blooms

  Hydrangeas in shade? Absolutely. In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we're focusing on how to care for these beloved flowering shrubs in those cooler, lower-light areas of your garden. Spring is the perfect time to give your hydrangeas a little attention. We’ll walk through how to choose the right type for shade, what early spring jobs will set them up for success, and how to encourage a better bloom display even with limited sunlight. In this episode, you’ll learn: Which hydrangeas thrive in part shade When and how to prune without risking flowers How to feed and mulch for healthy growth Tips for growing hydrangeas in containers Listener Q&A on common hydrangea challenges Whether you're just starting out or fine-tuning a well-established garden, this episode is full of practical advice for making hydrangeas a highlight in your shade space.

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