Cultivating a Cat-Resistant Shade Garden

The Serenity of Nurseries Over Hardware Stores

My recent visit to a local nursery, as opposed to the typical hardware store, was a revelation. The nursery's tranquil environment, with its blooming flowers and the warm sun, was a stark contrast to the stress-inducing aisles of B&Q, where the prospect of DIY tasks looms large. The peacefulness of the nursery was conducive to contemplation and planning for my garden project.

Researching Shade-Tolerant Plants

Since the nursery was bustling with activity, I took it upon myself to research shade-tolerant plants. I scoured libraries, local second-hand bookstores, and the internet for information. My goal was to find plants that could bring life and color to the drab, shaded area against my garden fence without wasting resources on unsuccessful attempts.

Ideal Plants for Shaded Gardens

Through my research, I discovered that certain spring bulbs, such as crocuses, snowdrops, and species tulips, are well-suited for lightly shaded areas. These bulbs require some sunlight to bloom annually, and fortunately, my garden receives sunlight in the late afternoon, which should suffice. It's important to note that in deep shade, these bulbs may be treated as annuals, requiring new plantings each autumn and removal after blooming.

Cat-Proofing the Garden

The next challenge was to protect these plants from our curious cat and its new kitten companion. I found that small greenhouse-type covers are effective at deterring cats. They've attempted to sit on top and dig underneath, but so far, the covers have held up. I've opted for plastic coverings over a glass greenhouse, as they are more affordable and suitable for small spaces.

Strategies for Cat-Proofing

• Use greenhouse covers or cloches to protect plants.
• Consider planting cat-repellent plants like lavender or rosemary around the garden perimeter.
• Install a fence or netting around the garden area to deter cats.

Conclusion

Gardening in the shade presents unique challenges, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding endeavor. By choosing the appropriate plants and implementing cat-proofing strategies, even a shaded garden can become a thriving, colorful space. Stay tuned for updates on my gardening journey and the fate of my garden under the watchful eye of the neighbor's ginger tomcat.

For more information on shade-tolerant plants and cat-proofing your garden, visit the Royal Horticultural Society's website or check out the ASPCA's list of pet-safe plants.