The Shade Gardening Podcast

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 to bring stillness, texture, and wildlife into even the darkest parts of the garden. I’ll walk you through simple setups, share real-life stories from our Facebook group, and talk through the plants, creatures, and quiet magic that water brings to the shade. No pumps. No fuss. Just water, shelter, and a willingness to let nature move in. So if you’ve got a cool corner and a curious heart, pop the kettle on—this one’s for you.

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 facing right now. We also explore what it means to garden with clay in low light—and why it’s not a curse, but a slower kind of magic. Plus, a peek behind the scenes: new members, new spaces, and bringing everything together under one roof at MarcusBergin.com. If you’ve got shady corners and clay underfoot—or just need a little encouragement in your garden this week—this episode is for you.

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 explore: Why many shade plants bloom briefly and go dormant What “perennial,” “biennial,” and “short-lived perennial” really mean Why some plants vanish for a season… and come back stronger How to design shady borders that flow across time, not just space This episode is part practical guide, part gentle reassurance—perfect for gardeners who are learning to trust the slower pace of life in the shade.

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 the world. Then we’ll go underground into the remarkable world of the wood wide web the fungal networks and living soil that keep our gardens thriving and talk about better, softer, more sustainable ways to manage weeds and nourish shady borders. If you’ve ever fought with fabric or wondered why your border just doesn’t feel quite right, this one’s for you. Read the companion blog: https://dappledgardening.com/ Join the discussion in the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shadegardening

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 calm in low-light areas. You’ll discover shade-tolerant plants that bring grace and texture, design tips for creating natural rhythm, and thoughtful ways to make even the gloomiest corners feel welcoming. Whether you’re starting a new shady border or looking to soften an existing one, this is a gentle guide to help you garden with feeling, not just form. Happy Gardening

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 perspective. We’ll cover what makes shady slopes difficult, what to look for in the right kind of plant, and reliable choices that really do the job—plus planting techniques that help them settle in and stay put. It’s not about planting more; it’s about planting wisely. If you’ve been avoiding that awkward corner of your garden, this episode might be just the nudge you need to turn it into something beautiful.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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-resistant shade gardening is such a challenge. ✅ The best plants that deer tend to avoid. ✅ Smart strategies to protect your garden, from scent-based deterrents to clever planting techniques. ✅ Listener questions and real-world solutions from our amazing Shade Gardening Facebook Group! Join the conversation in the Shade Gardening Facebook Group and share your experiences—what’s worked in your garden? Plus, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and sign up for The Shade Gardening Newsletter for more exclusive tips and resources. Tune in now and let’s keep your shade garden beautiful and mostly deer-free!

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, root competition, and poor drainage. ✔️ How to improve soil without adding depth—aeration, organic layering, and mycorrhizal fungi. ✔️ Best plants for tough, root-filled areas—Epimedium, ferns, Carex, Lungwort, and more! ✔️ Creative planting solutions—using cover crops and shallow raised beds to work with nature, not against it. Shade gardening under trees is challenging, but not impossible! With the right approach, you can transform these tricky spaces into a thriving woodland garden. Join the conversation! Share your experiences and get expert advice in the Shade Gardening Facebook Group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/shadegarden Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app!

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 fear, or can some of these misunderstood species actually be useful when managed properly? Let’s dig into the truth about invasive plants and how to work with nature, not against it.

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 and dividing shade-loving plants like ferns and hellebores ✔ What you can plant now (and what to hold off on!) ✔ Plant Profile of the Week: Pulmonaria – a spring gem for pollinators and shade gardens ✔ Design Tip: How to create year-round interest in your shady spaces ✔ Listener Question: "Is it too early to start planting?" Plus, a sneak peek at next week’s episode, where we’ll explore quick, impactful ways to refresh your shade garden this spring! Grab your gardening gloves and join me as we step into the cool, quiet world of shade gardening. 🔔 Subscribe now so you never miss an episode, and join the conversation in our Shade Gardening Facebook group! 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

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 thriving shade garden. I’ll share practical tips for identifying your shade type, simple ways to brighten up darker spaces, and highlight one of the best shade-loving plants—hostas. Whether you're dealing with tricky north-facing corners or a cool woodland retreat, this episode will help you make the most of your shaded spaces. Follow along for more shade gardening tips: Join the community: Shade Gardening on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shadegarden Tune in and let’s embrace the beauty of shade gardening!

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 shade. Join Marcus as he shares his vision for the podcast, delves into the magic of ferns and foxgloves, and explores how shade gardening is about more than just plants—it’s about atmosphere, creativity, and embracing what will thrive rather than worrying about what won’t. Join the conversation in our Facebook group! Connect with fellow shade gardeners, ask questions, and share your own garden successes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shadegarden Subscribe now and step into the cool, green shade with us!

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. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you winter-proof your garden. We start by exploring the importance of mulching—a critical step in protecting your garden beds from frost damage. I’ll guide you through the best types of mulch for shaded areas, including leaf mold and bark mulch, and explain when and how to apply them effectively. Mulch not only insulates the soil but also prevents winter erosion and keeps the soil from drying out during the colder months. Next, we move on to cutting back perennials and performing a thorough garden clean-up. You’ll learn why it’s important to cut down plants like hostas and astilbes and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to rot or pest problems over winter. We also discuss which plants to leave standing, such as ferns and ornamental grasses, to add interest to your winter garden and provide shelter for wildlife. In shaded areas, fallen leaves can create challenges—particularly when they pile up and hold moisture, leading to mold or fungal diseases. I’ll explain how to manage leaf litter in a way that protects your plants while also enriching your soil. You’ll discover how to make your own leaf mold, an excellent natural mulch for shade gardens, and how to avoid the pitfalls of soggy leaves suffocating your plants. For gardeners with delicate or evergreen plants in their shade gardens, we also cover protecting these vulnerable plants from frost and cold winds. From setting up windbreaks to using frost cloths, I’ll share actionable tips on how to care for your evergreens and ensure they don’t suffer from winter burn or frost damage. We’ll also touch on how to keep container plants safe by moving them to sheltered spots or insulating them with materials like bubble wrap. And, for those with bulbs or container plants, there’s a bonus section on how to prepare them for winter. I’ll share advice on planting bulbs in shaded areas and how to overwinter containers to ensure they’re ready to bloom when spring arrives. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to give your shade garden the best chance of thriving through winter and bouncing back beautifully in spring. Whether you’re mulching, pruning, or protecting delicate plants, these winter-prep tips will help keep your garden healthy and strong all season long.

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 unique conditions of wet, shaded spots, where poor drainage and limited sunlight can make it difficult for many plants to survive. Then, we’ll explore a variety of moisture-loving plants that actually thrive in these environments. From bold foliage to colourful blooms, these plants will help transform those waterlogged areas into stunning features of your garden. Some of the plants we’ll cover in this episode include: Ferns (Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’, Ostrich Fern): Known for their lush, feathery foliage, ferns bring a soft, elegant texture to shady, wet spots. Rodgersia: With its large, dramatic leaves and fluffy flower spikes, Rodgersia adds structure and thrives in moist, shaded conditions. Ligularia: A striking plant with bold foliage and bright yellow flowers, Ligularia is perfect for adding height and colour to consistently wet areas. Astilbe: Offering delicate, feathery blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple, Astilbe is ideal for planting near water features or in damp, shady spots. Hostas: Some varieties of Hostas are perfect for damp conditions, adding large, architectural leaves that create a tropical feel. Primula japonica (Japanese Primrose): A shade-tolerant primrose that produces vibrant blooms in boggy or waterlogged areas, perfect for adding colour and height. We’ll also discuss design tips for layering these plants, creating multi-dimensional garden beds by combining tall plants like Rodgersia with low-growing ferns. You’ll learn how to use moisture-loving plants to enhance areas near ponds, streams, or other wet spots while preventing soil erosion and improving drainage. We’ll wrap up by offering care tips on watering, fertilizing, and pruning, as well as how to protect these plants during the winter to ensure they come back strong year after year. Join us as we explore the best ways to turn your damp, shaded areas into vibrant, flourishing spaces! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit the blog for more shade gardening tips. Thanks for tuning in, and happy gardening!

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 (Japanese Spurge): An evergreen groundcover that thrives in deep shade, forming a dense carpet of glossy green leaves. Lamium maculatum (Dead Nettle): With its silvery-green leaves and pink, purple, or white flowers, this fast-growing groundcover adds colour and texture to shady areas. Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed): Grows in dense mats with bronze or purple-tinged leaves, featuring blue flower spikes in spring. Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle): A tough, evergreen groundcover with glossy green leaves and small blue flowers, perfect for deep shade. Epimedium (Barrenwort): Known for its delicate heart-shaped leaves and colourful spring blooms, ideal for dry, shaded areas. We’ll also discuss how to use groundcovers to layer with taller plants, soften the edges of paths, and fill gaps between larger plants. Groundcovers are a great way to create a natural, continuous flow in your garden. While groundcovers are generally low-maintenance, we’ll share tips on proper watering, mulching, spacing, and pruning to ensure healthy growth and long-term beauty. Once established, they offer benefits like moisture retention and weed suppression. In the next episode, we’ll cover 'Moisture-Loving Plants for Damp, Shaded Areas,' helping you turn tricky wet spots into thriving garden spaces. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit the blog for more gardening tips. Thanks for listening, and happy gardening!