A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Landscape trials and triumphs Gardening in the Shade Dry with no sun

I have a problem area under my Livingroom window overhang. I have put out so much money for this little area and lose everything I put in. Not only is it without sun, but the soil tends to be dry, so constant watering is required. Please note..during the summer I manage to water and keep it looking good, I lose most all my stuff during the winter. I tried covering for the winter, and it doesn't help. I have put many a cedar and junniper shrub only to lose it. I tried Armylias (can't remember how to spell it) but it was to be more drought resistant. I tried ferns and still see no sign of them this year, but after a slow start they usually do come out.

What can I use in this area to encourage moisture, yah besides water, and I would really like something of shrub height, that's why I like my little globals etc...

Oh, I forgot to mention the area I am referring to is the North side so it doesn't get sun, although it does get bright light during certain periods of the day...

The front of my house faces North as well. My cedars and junipers didn't do well and had to be moved.

Daisy, what part of canada are you in? I'm in NB. I find that bleeding hearts and astilbes work best for height as a perennial.

A Pee gee hydrangea or dwarf burning bush does nicely as well, and you can keep it trimmed back to the height you want.

What size is the area you want to fill in?

Been there, did that, until I wised up and paved that spot.
Nice place for potted plants: