Good morning.
I'm located in Central MD. This morning I was informed by an arborist that the Ash Tree, that is the primary source of shade for my 20 yr old "Woodlands/Hosta and Fern Garden" has sustained enough damage from the Emerald Ash Borer that it is essentially on tree death row, and needs removed before it comes crashing down.
Moving the many, many, Hosta, is not a realistic option. I live on a hill of pure slate/rock and it's taken 20 years to slowly build up and inch this garden up the hill with the addition of hundreds and hundreds of pounds of purchased soil annually.
Every other location in my yard is exposed to full on brutal sun from 1 pm until the sun sets, during the growing season. There is no other place to move them and at the same time provide some shade.
I can't bear the thought of watching my Hosta slowly fry to death this year, and am desperately seeking any creative ideas. Tarps, canopys, and artificial means of shading are out, due to the fierce winds we get and inability to securely anchor posts in the rock.
My only thought atm is maybe planting some taller sun loving perennials that would shade the Hosta, yet not interfere with being able to see them? I don't know if such a perennial even exists?
Tree in question is the one in the middle, by the red pot. The tree to it's left (an oak) is dead and slated for removal in a month. Photo was taken 4 years ago, and the garden has expanded since then.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.