The Shade Gardening Podcast

Have you ever planted something that you later wished you hadn't? In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, Marcus explores a question that sparked more than 150 responses from the Shade Gardening community: "Which plant do you regret planting?" The answers ranged from vigorous groundcovers like vinca and pachysandra to ambitious climbers such as wisteria, along with mint, English ivy, lily...

Dry shade is often described as one of the toughest places to garden. Beneath mature trees, alongside hedges, or in those forgotten corners where sunlight is limited and the soil always seems dry, many gardeners simply give up. But they don't have to. In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, Marcus explains why dry shade can be so challenging and, more importantly, how you can work with the...

Deer can turn a carefully planned garden into an all-you-can-eat buffet overnight. But is there really such a thing as a deer-resistant plant? In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, Marcus explores the reality of gardening in areas where deer are regular visitors. Rather than chasing the myth of a completely deer-proof garden, he shares a more practical approach: understanding deer behavi...

Many gardeners believe that nothing grows in shade, but is that really true? In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, Marcus explores one of the biggest misconceptions in gardening and explains why shade isn't a problem to overcome, but an opportunity to create something truly beautiful. From understanding the different types of shade found in every garden to discovering plants that thrive...

After a little time away, The Shade Gardening Podcast is back. In this first episode of Season 2, Marcus shares why he decided to return to the microphone and why shade gardening continues to inspire gardeners around the world. From the calming beauty of woodland-style planting to the joy of discovering plants that thrive where others struggle, this episode is a gentle reminder that shade isn't a...

Quiet Water, Wild Life: Building Ponds in Shady Gardens Can you really have a pond in full shade? Absolutely—and it might be one of the best things you ever do for your garden. In this episode, we slow things right down and take a gentle wander into the world of shady ponds and bog gardens. From forgotten corners and damp patches to old sinks and washing-up bowls, you’ll hear just how easy it is t...

This week in the shade garden, we’re taking a gentle stroll through the conversations that lit up the Facebook group—from clay soil challenges and shifting light after tree loss, to hosta care, Fatsia fascination, and just how many shade plants might grow in your zone. We’ll dig into the quiet beauty of Spigelia, the mystery of Arisaema, and the real-life questions that so many gardeners are facin...

In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we’re rethinking what it means for a plant to “perform.” If you’ve ever looked at a shady border and wondered why something isn’t flowering—or if a once-thriving plant has simply disappeared—you’re not alone. Shade gardens follow a different rhythm, and many of our favourite plants grow, bloom, rest, and return on their own quiet schedule. We’ll expl...

In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we’re pulling back the mulch literally and taking a closer look at weed fabric. It promises a weed-free garden, but more often delivers frustration, failing plants, and lifeless soil. We’ll explore why weed fabric rarely works long-term, how it impacts the hidden ecosystem beneath our feet, and what really happens to the soil when we seal it off from...

What gives a garden that gentle, flowing feel—the kind that draws you in and makes you want to stay awhile? In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we explore the art of designing with softness in shaded spaces. From choosing plants that sway and mingle to shaping borders that guide the eye with subtle curves and layers, we’ll talk through the elements that create movement, balance, and ca...

Got a sloping patch of shade that’s more problem than planting space? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, Marcus explores one of the trickiest garden challenges: shady slopes. Whether you’re battling dry soil under trees, a bank where water runs off too quickly, or a slope that’s just sat bare for years—this episode will give you practical advice and a fresh perspecti...

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 shoppi...

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, l...

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...

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 ga...

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...

Deer-Resistant Shade Gardening – What Actually Works? Description: If you’ve ever planted something in your shade garden only to find it nibbled to the ground the next morning, you’re not alone! In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we tackle one of the biggest frustrations for gardeners—keeping deer from turning your shade garden into their personal buffet. We’ll cover: ✅ Why deer-resi...

Struggling to garden under pine trees? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we tackle a common challenge faced by gardeners—improving poor soil under mature trees without disturbing their roots. Inspired by a fantastic question from Delores Deering-Taylor in the Shade Gardening Facebook Group, we dive into: ✔️ Why soil under pine trees is so difficult—compacted clay, r...

Is that plant truly invasive, or is it just a vigorous grower in the right conditions? In this special episode, we’re tackling the most common questions from The Shade Gardening Facebook Group about so-called ‘invasive’ plants. We’ll break down what the term really means, why some plants get an unfair reputation, and how gardeners can take a more balanced approach. Are we avoiding plants out of fe...

Spring Awakening – Essential Tasks to Revive Your Shade Garden Spring is stirring, and it’s time to wake up your shade garden! In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we’re diving into the essential early spring tasks that will set your garden up for a season of lush growth and colour. 🌿 In this episode, we cover: ✔ Clearing winter debris and refreshing mulch for healthy soil ✔ Pruning an...

Episode 2: Unlocking the Secrets of Shade – Understanding Light and Choosing the Right Plants Not all shade is the same! In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we dive into the different types of shade—dappled, partial, full, and the all-important difference between dry and moist shade. Understanding your garden’s light conditions is the key to choosing the right plants and creating a thr...

The Shade Gardening Podcast is back—with a fresh start! In this episode, Marcus reintroduces the podcast with a new focus: practical advice, inspiring plant choices, and design tips to transform even the trickiest shady spots into thriving garden spaces. Whether you’re working with a north-facing border, a woodland retreat, or a damp, forgotten corner, there’s a world of possibility waiting in the...

Episode Title: Winter Prep for Shade Gardens: Essential Tips to Protect Your Plants As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it’s time to prepare your shade garden for the winter months ahead. In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we dive into essential tips and techniques to ensure your shade-loving plants survive the cold season and come back even stronger in the spring. Whe...

Welcome back to The Shade Gardening Podcast! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the trickiest gardening challenges—damp, shaded areas that tend to stay wet after rainfall or remain boggy throughout the season. These areas can be tough to manage, but with the right plant selection, you can turn them into lush, thriving spaces full of texture, colour, and life. We’ll start by discussing the uniq...

Welcome to The Shade Gardening Podcast! In this episode, we’ll explore how shade-loving groundcovers can transform your garden into a low-maintenance, vibrant space. Groundcovers are ideal for filling empty spots, suppressing weeds, and adding texture to your garden, all while requiring minimal care. We’ll cover some of the best shade-loving groundcovers, including: Pachysandra terminalis (Japanes...