We recently moved into an older home and now face the challenge of designing a garden that can survive under a very large black walnut tree (not to mention its many brothers and sisters in the neighbouring gardens). I have sourced a number of lists of plants that are tolerant to black walnut and those that are highly susceptible. However, the "tolerant" list is quite limited (e.g. if a plant isn't on the tolerant or susceptible list, what is one to make of it?) Is there is a more exhaustive list available somewhere? Not only are we interested in ideas about plants that can survive the toxins the tree sends out underground, we're also seeking design ideas to counter the overhead barrage that begins in late summer when the walnuts plummet down and render our city-sized back yard almost unuseable for relaxing meals outdoors. (Hard hats aren't very practical). Thanks very much.
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I did some research on this (we have walnuts, too) and found some compelling information from a US university (Illinois, maybe) on the curious compatibility of black walnuts and Kentucky Bluegrass. If you want a lawn under your walnuts, it's entirely possible. In our lawn, the grass under the walnut is the healthiest part of the lawn. (Shaded by the tree and covered with walnut leaves and nuts, we expected it to be a problem area) Anyway, these documented studies confirmed that the bluegrass seems to thrive in juglone areas. I've seen no information in Canada about this, but it confirms our own experience. We're thinking about creating a black walnut "tea" in a rainbarrel to treat other parts of the lawn, because we've observed that the grubs seem to stay away from the walnut trees. Could be a perfect solution!
Most of my backyard is shaded by the neighbours very large black walnut. The trunks are in fact right on the fence line. A climbing hydrangea grows very happily underneath and is a joy to see most of the year - especially when in flower - dainty white lacey blooms. It is a really easy no-maintenance plant once established. It might just fit the bill for you. Actually I have a "regular" hydrangea (Annabelle) growing along the fence line as well which has the large white flower-balls.
I had a backyard surrounded by black walnuts. A word of advice: if a plant or vegetable is not on the list, don't try it because it won't work (and I couldn't locate some of the plants on the list). Had success with hostas, coral bells, burning bush, viburnum, solomon's seal, primroses, tulips, bleeding heart, all kinds of evergreens (junipers, cedards, etc.), anything from the lily family (day lilies, lily of the valley, etc.), ferns, trilliums, all euonymous, spirea, forsythia and phlox (large, wild kind). The tulips worked but we found that the walnuts attracted the squirrels, who knocked the heads off the stems as soon as they opened--usually had a lovely planting of stems to look at. Annuals (i.e. impatiens) were OK but they didn't thrive. One more thing, avoid plastic lawn chairs. They will get stained and they do not clean up. Don't have any suggestions about the danger of falling walnuts--my sons used to wear hard hats doing lawn work. Good luck.
My parents have a black walnut in their front yard and have found quite a bit of interested information in Lois Hole's gardening books. Try the public library.
As for the raining parade of walnuts, I also suggest a pergola. However, you could just invite a few squirrels into the tree and perhaps your problems with disappear, ha. Best of luck to you.
Most of the material and advice I have seen and heard suggests using containers. I don't know how big an area you are trying to cover but possibly you could consider big containers arranged in the area. As for the falling walnuts & hardhats -- perhaps a pergola or something similar???
Most of the material and advice I have seen and heard suggests using containers. I don't know how big an area you are trying to cover but possibly you could consider big containers arranged in the area. As for the falling walnuts & hardhats -- perhaps a pergola or something similar???