SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Light: Partial shade to full shade. This bundle is specifically designed for shaded positions (north-facing walls, beneath tree canopies, overshadowed by neighbouring buildings). Topiary (Yew) is one of few species thriving in shade. All border plants prefer shade to sun—they'll tolerate some morning sun but suffer in hot afternoon sun.
Soil: Moisture-retentive but well-drained, rich in organic matter. Shade typically means tree root competition and dry soil—amend generously with compost/leaf mold before planting (at least 30% by volume) to improve moisture retention and fertility. Astilbe particularly needs consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogged positions (Helleborus dislikes winter wet).
Space: Minimum 2m width for Starter, 2.5m for Standard, 3.5m for Impactful. Allow 70-80cm clearance from topiary container edge to door frame (see Placement Guide).
POSITIONING LAYOUT:
Step 1: Position Topiary Balls
Place containers 120-140cm apart (center to center) depending on entrance width. Yew balls provide evergreen structure anchoring the composition—essential in shade where evergreen options are limited. Ensure containers sit level.
Step 2: Plant Dryopteris Ferns
Position behind or to sides of topiary where tall fronds (60-90cm) can rise without obscuring topiary. Space 60-80cm apart (fronds arch gracefully—needs space). Provides woodland authenticity and architectural height.
Step 3: Plant Astilbe
Position in mid-ground where flower plumes will be visible. Space 45-50cm apart. Clumps expand gradually—this spacing allows development without overcrowding. Needs positions where soil remains reasonably moist (avoid driest spots if under tree canopy).
Step 4: Plant Brunnera
Scatter throughout mid-ground. Space 40-50cm apart. Bold silver-frosted leaves provide ground-level focal points—position where foliage will be appreciated (not hidden behind other plants). Spreads slowly forming substantial clumps.
Step 5: Plant Helleborus
Position where winter-spring flowers will be visible from house windows (flowers January-April when viewing from windows more common than garden visits). Space 50-60cm apart. Evergreen foliage provides year-round structure—use strategically.
Step 6: Plant Tiarella (Foam Flower)
Use as ground cover beneath and around other plants. Space 30-35cm apart. Spreads to create weed-suppressing carpet—particularly effective under ferns and around topiary bases where other ground covers struggle in shade.
DETAILED LAYOUT PLANS:
For comprehensive positioning diagrams showing exact plant placement for your entrance dimensions and variant-specific layouts, see our Bundle Planting Guide.
[View Bundle Planting Guide →]
ESTABLISHMENT CARE (First 6 Months):
Topiary: Water 2-3× weekly during first summer. Even shade-tolerant Yew benefits from consistent moisture when newly positioned. Feed once in spring. See Complete Care Guide.
Border Plants: Water 2-3× weekly first growing season. Shade plants still need moisture—common myth that shade means wet (often means dry due to tree root competition and rain shadow from buildings). Mulch generously 7-10cm with leaf mold or bark (helps retain moisture in typically dry shade). No feeding Year 1.
By 6 months: Starter plants rooted and establishing (30-40% mature, woodland layering developing). Standard plants established with good foliage presence (50-70% mature, lush appearance developing). Impactful plants quickly established with genuine woodland understory effect (70-90% mature, substantial lush presence from first season).
