Textured Part Shade

To create this garden (6m x 3m), you will need:

Plants

• 1x Black Chokeberry (zone 3)
• 3x Lady Fern (zone 4)
• 3x Blue Zinger Sedge (zone 4)
• 1x Sugar Shack Buttonbush (zone 4)
• 3x Brunette Bugbane (zone 3)
• 2x The King Wood Fern (zone 4)
• 5x Brim Cup Hosta (zone 3)
• 3x Britt-Marie Crawford Ligularia (zone 4)
• 1x P.J.M. Elite Rhododendron (zone 4)

Other materials

• Soil (quantity varies depending on soil quality)
• Mycorrhizae (⅓ cup per 2-gallon pot)
• Compost (quantity varies depending on soil quality)
• Soil-acidifying fertilizer (e.g. blueberry fertilizer)
• Mulch (to reduce weeding and watering needs)
• Garden shovel

1. Planning

• Print the selected Floria garden layout plan.
• The attached proposed plan is a basic inspiration that you can adapt to your existing layout and the constraints of your terrain.
• Determine the desired final size and exact shape of the garden bed (more rounded, square, rectangular, etc.).
• Measure and clearly mark the area of your garden bed.
• Use stakes and string to precisely outline the space.

2. Soil Preparation

• Weeding: remove all weeds (or grass) from the area using a shovel, hoe, or sod cutter.
• Soil aeration: dig the soil to a depth of 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) to loosen it and improve drainage.
• Soil improvement: mix in compost and garden soil to enrich and improve structure. The amount depends on the quality of your existing soil.

3. Planting

• Place the plants in the garden bed according to your plan. Adjust spacing if needed (the plan considers mature plant size).
• Water each plant thoroughly before removing it from its pot.
• Dig planting holes slightly larger than the root balls and fill them with water to hydrate the soil before planting.
• Carefully remove the plants from their containers.
• Add ⅓ cup of mycorrhizae directly onto the root ball to promote root development.
• Place each plant in its hole, ensuring the base of the stem (crown) is level with the soil surface.
• Fill in the holes with the soil, compost, and garden mix.
• Gently firm the soil around the plants.
• Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.

• Water regularly, especially during dry periods—ideally early in the morning—until the plants are well established
• Mulch the soil to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from the cold
• Fertilize as needed depending on the type of plants
• Prune shrubs as needed to maintain their shape
• In general, prune shrubs and perennials (if needed) after flowering
• Monitor for diseases and pests

* Rhododendrons thrive in acidic soil. You can always add a soil-acidifying fertilizer if the soil isn’t acidic enough.