A 'shade' question

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Beagle, Apr 14, 2011.

  1. Beagle

    Beagle Apprentice Gardener

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    My border is by a north-facing fence, so never receives direct sun. I'm looking into shade-tolerant plants, but finding it a bit confusing. Can someone tell me the difference between 'light shade', 'partial shade' and 'full shade'?
     
    Beagle, Apr 14, 2011
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  2. wiseowl

    wiseowl Amicable and friendly Admin Staff Member

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    Hi Beagle this is only my own interpretation of these terms:)


    Dappled Shade/Partial: is created by a light canopy of tree foliage, possibly a pergola.This is where a moving pattern of sunlight and shade across the ground provides direct sun for one or two hours a day, then the area receives bright indirect sun during the rest of the day.
    Light Shade: is also open shade because the area is open to the sky, but hedges, walls or other structures block the direct light.The area still receives plenty of reflected bright light even though there is no direct sun.
    Deep Shade/Full: is basically the area that doesn’t receive any direct sun.These areas are commonly found under evergreens.
     
    wiseowl, Apr 14, 2011
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  3. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    Hi Beagle, well it was always explained to me like this..
    You could make a shade/sun map of your property before you plant. Check the light every hour or two and mark on a diagram of your garden where the sun falls..
    Rather than expecting your plants to make do with whatever sun they get, choose plants that will do well with the available sunlight..
     
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      Marley Farley, Apr 14, 2011
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    • clueless1

      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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      I too am a bit confused by the 'shade' classifications, but it's been explained well here. Except I still have a question.

      When people say full sun means at least 6 hours per day of direct sunshine, is this at a particular time of year, eg midsummer, or is at at least 6 hours per day right throughout the growing season?

      Also, what does that mean for us in good old blighty, where we're lucky to get any direct sun on most days, just the diffused sunshine that penetrates the clouds that we always have?
       
      clueless1, Apr 14, 2011
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    • Beagle

      Beagle Apprentice Gardener

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      Thanks for the replies.

      So, to clarify, a border by a north-facing fence would be considered 'full shade'?
       
      Beagle, Apr 15, 2011
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    • clueless1

      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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      clueless1, Apr 17, 2011
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