Quiet Water, Wild Life: Building Ponds in Shady Gardens

Can you really have a pond in full shade? Absolutely—and it might be one of the best things you ever do for your garden.

In this episode, we slow things right down and take a gentle wander into the world of shady ponds and bog gardens. From forgotten corners and damp patches to old sinks and washing-up bowls, you’ll hear just how easy it is to bring stillness, texture, and wildlife into even the darkest parts of the garden.

I’ll walk you through simple setups, share real-life stories from our Facebook group, and talk through the plants, creatures, and quiet magic that water brings to the shade. No pumps. No fuss. Just water, shelter, and a willingness to let nature move in.

So if you’ve got a cool corner and a curious heart, pop the kettle on—this one’s for you.

This week in the shade garden, we’re taking a gentle stroll through the conversations that lit up the Facebook group—from clay soil challenges and shifting light after tree loss, to hosta care, Fatsia fascination, and just how many shade plants might grow in your zone.

We’ll dig into the quiet beauty of Spigelia, the mystery of Arisaema, and the real-life questions that so many gardeners are facing right now. We also explore what it means to garden with clay in low light—and why it’s not a curse, but a slower kind of magic.

Plus, a peek behind the scenes: new members, new spaces, and bringing everything together under one roof at MarcusBergin.com.

If you’ve got shady corners and clay underfoot—or just need a little encouragement in your garden this week—this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we’re rethinking what it means for a plant to “perform.”

If you’ve ever looked at a shady border and wondered why something isn’t flowering—or if a once-thriving plant has simply disappeared—you’re not alone. Shade gardens follow a different rhythm, and many of our favourite plants grow, bloom, rest, and return on their own quiet schedule.

We’ll explore:

Why many shade plants bloom briefly and go dormant

What “perennial,” “biennial,” and “short-lived perennial” really mean

Why some plants vanish for a season… and come back stronger

How to design shady borders that flow across time, not just space

This episode is part practical guide, part gentle reassurance—perfect for gardeners who are learning to trust the slower pace of life in the shade.

In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we’re pulling back the mulch literally and taking a closer look at weed fabric. It promises a weed-free garden, but more often delivers frustration, failing plants, and lifeless soil.

We’ll explore why weed fabric rarely works long-term, how it impacts the hidden ecosystem beneath our feet, and what really happens to the soil when we seal it off from the world.

Then we’ll go underground into the remarkable world of the wood wide web the fungal networks and living soil that keep our gardens thriving and talk about better, softer, more sustainable ways to manage weeds and nourish shady borders.

If you’ve ever fought with fabric or wondered why your border just doesn’t feel quite right, this one’s for you.

Read the companion blog: https://dappledgardening.com/

Join the discussion in the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shadegardening

What gives a garden that gentle, flowing feel—the kind that draws you in and makes you want to stay awhile?

In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we explore the art of designing with softness in shaded spaces. From choosing plants that sway and mingle to shaping borders that guide the eye with subtle curves and layers, we’ll talk through the elements that create movement, balance, and calm in low-light areas.

You’ll discover shade-tolerant plants that bring grace and texture, design tips for creating natural rhythm, and thoughtful ways to make even the gloomiest corners feel welcoming.

Whether you’re starting a new shady border or looking to soften an existing one, this is a gentle guide to help you garden with feeling, not just form.

Happy Gardening

Got a sloping patch of shade that’s more problem than planting space? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, Marcus explores one of the trickiest garden challenges: shady slopes. Whether you’re battling dry soil under trees, a bank where water runs off too quickly, or a slope that’s just sat bare for years—this episode will give you practical advice and a fresh perspective.

We’ll cover what makes shady slopes difficult, what to look for in the right kind of plant, and reliable choices that really do the job—plus planting techniques that help them settle in and stay put. It’s not about planting more; it’s about planting wisely.

If you’ve been avoiding that awkward corner of your garden, this episode might be just the nudge you need to turn it into something beautiful.

In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we step away from the garden beds and head into the world of garden centres, nurseries, and plant fairs. Marcus shares the real-life challenges of hunting for shade-loving plants in a market often dominated by sun lovers—and offers practical advice for finding hidden gems.

We’ll cover:

Why shade plants are often so hard to find

The pitfalls of shopping big-box garden centres

Smarter ways to shop, including independent nurseries and rare plant fairs

Tips for becoming a ‘shade plant detective’ and spotting true treasures

Whether you're planning a shopping trip or just love the thrill of finding something unexpected, this episode will inspire you to explore, stay patient, and fill your shade garden with plants that tell your own story.

Look Up! Climbers, Walls, and the Hidden Vertical Garden

Description:

In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we’re shifting our gaze from ground level to the often-forgotten vertical spaces in our gardens. Inspired by planting a star jasmine near his own fence, Marcus explores the untapped beauty of climbers—plants that can transform fences, walls, garages, and shaded corners into lush, living features.

We’ll cover:

Why vertical gardening is so effective in shaded spaces

The best climbers for everything from dry shade to dappled woodland light

Practical planting and support tips to help climbers thrive

Companion planting ideas for creating a layered, flowing look

Whether you're working with a north-facing wall or simply want to make better use of the space you’ve got, this episode is full of fresh ideas for bringing your garden to life—upward.

When you think of ornamental grasses, you probably picture them basking in full sun—rippling across prairie borders or swaying in golden meadows. But what about in the shade?

In this episode of The Shade Gardening Podcast, we shine a light on a surprisingly overlooked topic: using grasses and sedges in shady gardens. Inspired by a question from our Facebook group, we explore why grasses matter in low-light spaces, which varieties thrive in part to full shade, and how to design with them to bring softness, movement, and structure to your garden.

I’ll walk you through my go-to grasses and grass-like companions—from elegant Hakonechloa to tough and tidy Carex—and share real tips from listeners who’ve had success (and surprises) growing them in challenging conditions.

Whether you’ve got a shady border, a woodland edge, or a container garden by a north-facing wall, this episode will help you see grasses in a whole new light.

🌿 Mentioned in this episode: – My top grasses and sedges for shade

– Design tips and placement ideas

– Listener Q&A from the Facebook group

– How to share your questions for future episodes

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Got a dark, awkward patch in your garden that feels like nothing will grow? Don’t write it off just yet. In this episode, we’re embracing the quiet magic of deep shade and sharing how even the gloomiest corners can become lush, layered, and full of charm.

From choosing resilient plants like Pulmonaria and Epimedium to creating a living tapestry of texture and subtle colour, we explore how shade gardening rewards patience, observation, and a slower rhythm. You don’t need a complete makeover—just a thoughtful start and a willingness to let nature take its time.

Tune in and discover how a single plant, a softened edge, or a touch of silver foliage can begin a beautiful transformation. Let’s fall in love with the shade—one gentle step at a time.