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A Shady Woodland Border

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Online image (photo credit unknown). Finding this image online provided the original inspiration to turn a shady border into a native woodland.

In addition to the ‘tiny forest’ mentioned earlier, there is a north facing shady border that runs along a public pathway. Here it’s possible for trees to grow a bit bigger without casting shade or overhanging anyone else’s property.

I cam across the above photo of a silver birch tree, with foxgloves and ferns around and thought that would be perfect!

2020: newly planted elder, hazel, hawthorn, silver birch and ferns.

First the border had to be cleared of non-native invasive montbretia and winter jasmine. Then a mini woodland could be planted! In addition to a silver birch tree, more elder, hazel and hawthorn were planted for density.

Newly planted ferns

Bluebell shoots coming through in spring, among the newly planted trees and ferns.

Native ferns were ordered and planted, and foxglove seeds sewed liberally!

Spring 2026 Established shady woodland border: elder, hazel, hawthorn,silver birch, bluebells and primroses.

The ferns and trees have taken well, but only ever saw one foxglove.

No problem though, there are many native bluebells, and some beautiful primroses (descendants of ornamental polyanthus) that have now returned to their native form. So it has a natural woodland feel, congruent with the local bluebell woods nearby.