Many of these plants prefer to be protected from direct sunlight, for part, if not all of the day. None like to be starved or dried out, either by lack of rainfall or root competition. Shade, or part shade from trees or buildings will provide good sites together with shelter from drying wind. Poor soils, which suffer from low rainfall should have plenty of moisture-holding material well incorporated before planting. Plants with yellow leaves need enough light to keep their foliage bright, but not direct sunlight, which will scorch them. Plants grown primarily for flower, such as Primula or Viola will need more sunlight than those grown for large and handsome foliage. Provided these points are kept in mind none of these plants are difficult, none require drenched peat or high humidity, both conditions unattainable in our garden here in East Anglia.
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
BULBS
FERNS TO USE WITH SOME OF THE PLANTS LISTED ABOVE
Athyrium filix-femina 'Minutissimum
GRASSES TO USE WITH SOME OF THE PLANTS LISTED ABOVE
MEDIUM TO LARGE PLANTS FOR SHADY CONDITIONS
Heavy soil lightened with 10mm grit, lighter soil enriched with compost, or good leaf mould type soil - all will suit the following plants together with shade or part-shade provided by walls or trees. They must not be waterlogged in winter or leaf scorched and dried out in summer. Some, like Digitalis will stand dry shade but are repeated here as they add much to this group and thrive in better conditions.
FERNS TO USE WITH SOME OF THE PLANTS LISTED ABOVE
GRASSES TO USE WITH SOME OF THE PLANTS LISTED ABOVE