My husband made the Little Free Library - the only cute thing on the hill :)
I need some ideas on how to landscape a very steep and shady hillside.
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I live in a historic neighborhood in Atlanta where we own two side by side lots. Our yard is nicely landscaped- with the exception of "the hill". It is flanked by two large trees which throw a lot of shade (pun intended). Also, their root systems are all through the hillside, making it almost impossible to plant anything other than grass (which doesn't fare that well in all the shade or our hot summers - it is very patchy). I thought about planting ivy, but that brings its own issues. I have a nice flat spot at the top, with boxwoods and nandinas. The staircase is all that's left of a home that burned down in the 1950's - I'd like to uncover the rest of it. Thoughts?
Here is one thought - I love the Little Free Library . It appears there is a ledge there. Perhaps you could make an inviting sitting area too!
Please post your finished work. I would love to see the end results.
What an awesome piece of property! Love the library - this is what America is all about. Turn it into your personal park. Maybe visit a good local nursery and see what they have to offer in shade plants and chat up the staff and see what suggestions they might have. I would never want to leave, it looks like a magical, relaxing space. Anything you do will only make it better.
Ajuga or Bugle Weed makes a good ground cover that is walkable and also blooms in the Spring. I have chocolate Ajuga currently but there are other colors and it has a beautiful blue 4 inch bloom in the Spring. If you could scratch up any soil , Ferns and Hosta would do well in the shade also. Don't forget container plants and possibly some large rock boulders. Good luck--your home is lovely!
I have an identical setting in my yard. A shaded hillside with tree roots protruding. I cleared away all vegetation and planted only shade loving plants and succulents. The succulents do surprisingly well in this area and have spread nicely. I mulched the entire area with black mulch and it is just beautiful. I left the roots protruding through the mulch. I have several ferns and a few hostas. A Lilly of the Valley volunteered there too! If you are inclined to have large plants, elephant ears are a good choice. They will thrive with little to no sun and grow quite large. I have a perfect method for planting and harvesting the bulbs too. Simply lay the bulb on bare soil and cover with mulch. It seems impossible, but it will grow! In the fall after the foliage has died, simply rake off the mulch and pick up the bulb. Store it in an unheated garage over the winter and replant in the spring. You will be amazed!
Squirels hate the odor of mothballs. Maybe place some hanging mothballs (in a plastic container) aroung will help.