Mount Hood Gardens, Inc.

WOODLAND GARDENS

Woodland Gardens offer shade and reprieve from the heat of summer. They rely on the canopy of large deciduous trees or conifers to provide shade, with sunlight peaking through at certain times of the year or day. Woodland gardens evoke a peaceful and calming atmosphere.

Plants: A rather restricted plant palette for each season usually works best and provides a sense of visual continuity, simulating nature. Many indigenous plants are appropriate for this style of garden, supplemented by suitable non-native plants. Small trees such as Japanese Maples, Flowering Dogwoods and Magnolia, and shrubs such as Mock Orange or Redtwig Dogwood form the woodland’s understory. Ferns, Hostas, Epimediums, Native Ginger, Fernleaf Bleeding Hearts and Solomon’s Seal planted in larger sweeps and colonies shape the tapestry of the ground layer, and are best repeated throughout the garden or border to mimic nature. During periods of summer drought the soil can become quite dry as ground covers and perennials compete with tree roots for moisture and nutrients. Rain does not always reach the ground. Therefore, all of the above-mentioned plants, while relatively drought-tolerant, will require supplemental water during the summer months and sometimes in the fall.

Large, moss-covered boulders can enhance the natural appearance and add visual appeal. Bark mulch applied as a top layer around the plants retains moisture and resonates the woodland theme. A birdbath or water feature attracts birds and the sound of trickling water adds to the ambiance.

Woodland Garden: This peaceful woodland garden is situated high up in the hills at the base of Mt. Adams in Washington. The existing back landscape consisted of beautiful mature Douglas-fir conifers, a Horsechestnut and Oak trees, resulting in dense shade for most of the year. Large, moss-covered boulders offer striking accents. The owners handled the majority of the installation on their own, with Mount Hood Gardens providing the design, plants and guidance during the installation.