Create a stumpery

Rather like a rockery, but created from tree stumps and logs, a stumpery can be anything from one stump to a huge display of fallen trees, usually interspersed with ferns and other shade loving plants. It is an innovative way to bring some life to a part of your garden that might otherwise be neglected.

Stumperies perform many functions in a garden. It is a very environmentally friendly way of using up old tree stumps and logs, rather than burning or disposing of them. It creates a visually interesting feature of a dark spot in the garden, where other plants may struggle to grow. A stumpery also provides much-needed places for wildlife, such as frogs, newts and pollinating insects to live in your garden.

Step 1  Clear away weeds

Make sure the area is free of grasses and troublesome weeds like nettles and thistles.

Step 2 Arrange your stumps

If you are using a whole tree stump, invert it and wash away the mud to reveal the root structure. Start with the largest piece and work down to the smallest. You may need to partially submerge logs and bark in the ground if you’d like them upright for structure. Arrange all your pieces of wood until you are happy with the look you’ve created.

Step 3 Add compost

Fill in gaps in the roots and stumps, and in between the logs, with compost to create pockets of soil to plant in. Cover the bare patches of ground with bark mulch to keep weeds at bay.

Step 4 Choosing plants

Ferns are the most popular choice for a stumpery but you can use any shade-loving plants such as hostas, hellebores, bluebells, snowdrops and primroses. Alpines also work well, such as ajuga, as do perennials such as brunnera or pulmonaria (lungwort). Plant them in nooks and crevices and around the tree stumps and water in well.

Step 5 Maintenance

There isn’t very much to do once your stumpery is established, except to keep down unwanted weeds and water occasionally in drier weather. The stumpery will become more enchanting over time as nature starts to take over.