Shaded Sanctuary

Laurus nobilis

The bay tree is evergreen elegance with culinary credentials—aromatic leaves for the kitchen, handsome form for the garden. Clipped or natural, it brings Mediterranean dignity.

Epimedium × perralchicum 'Fröhnleiten'

Heart-shaped leaves and sprays of yellow spring flowers make this barrenwort a ground-covering gem. Its semi-evergreen nature provides winter interest too.

Dryopteris erythrosora

The autumn fern earns its name with coppery-red new fronds that mature to deep green. Its year-round colour shifts bring warmth to shaded plantings.

Ajuga reptans

Bugle spreads its rosettes of dark, sometimes bronze-purple leaves like a living carpet, studded with blue flower spikes in spring. A willing worker in difficult shaded spots.

Acer palmatum

The Japanese maple is meditation given form—intricately dissected leaves that catch light and colour with the seasons. Its elegance suits contemplative garden corners.

Angelica archangelica

Angelica is bold biennial drama—statuesque stems crowned with domed umbels of green-yellow flowers. Its sculptural presence and sweet stems once candied for cake decoration add history to the garden.