Hi: I recently moved into an apartment in Brooklyn. There is a grated light well in the garden that's about 3x3 feet wide and 6 feet deep, that lets light into a basement window. It is a concrete base with brick walls, and receives no direct sunlight although it's open to the sky. I'm assuming that it's possible to grow shade ferns/moss in the bottom of the well, to create a pleasant view from inside the basement room - does anyone have any thoughts on what might work? I'm considering putting down gravel to make sure it drains when it rains, and covering the gravel with soil. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Chris
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: What to plant in light well with no direct light?
If you can access this area without too much trouble, what about some large pots with either perennials or annuals in them? You might need to water in the summer, as well as do some minor maintenance such as fertilizing and deadheading. Ferns, hostas, lysimachia nummularia aurea, epimedium, are a few perennial suggestions. Impatiens or tuberous begonias are easy annuals.
RE: What to plant in light well with no direct light?
I would recommend something that is totally low maintenance, looks good, is evergreen, and can take full shade or full sun ... how about Vinca minor or better yet ... how about Vinca minor variegata? You'll get some pretty blue flowers in the spring and it can even be stepped on with no problems. It's easy to grow and the foliage has a pretty sheen to it.
Best of luck!
Steve
RE: What to plant in light well with no direct light?
