Sun-loving gardens produce
some of summer’s flashiest blooms. But even if you’re not blessed with a
sun-drenched yard, you can still put your green thumb to good use by growing
and maintaining a stunning shade garden. My mother has a small shade garden
nestled near a tree-covered section of her yard, and it’s one the most tranquil
parts of the landscape; perfect for cozying up with a book on a warm summer
day.
Think a shade garden would
be a fitting addition to your landscape? Though you’re better off waiting until
fall when the temperature cools, it’s a good idea to plan now. Keep these
considerations in mind as you plan.
Types of shade. Not all shade is equal, according to this handy
guide from the
University of Illinois Extension. Dappled shade means patches of sunlight hit
plants through the leaves in surrounding trees. Plants in medium shade zones
receive approximately 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. Dense shade is deep, and any
plants planted in this area receive zero direct sunlight (which is why very few
plants thrive in this kind of shade). Moral of the story? Before bringing
plants or seeds home, check their growing requirements to see what type of
shade they require.
Do a site analysis. If you’re planting your garden in a spot
surrounded by large, mature trees, search for a section of dirt that’s
root-free. This way, you’ll avoid damaging the trees, and your trees and shade
plants can more peacefully coexist without competing for moisture and
nutrients.
Prep your soil. It’s a good idea to perform a soil test
to see what kind of soil you’re working with. In general, shady areas have less
air circulation than sunny gardens. And if you’re dealing with a lot of tree
roots, the soil may be heavily compacted. Encourage good air circulation by
amending the soil with organic material. And conserve precious moisture with mulch.
Pick the best plants. What plants thrive in the shade, you ask? This Boston.com article
names top plants that thrive in shady surroundings.
Oh,
and another thing. Remember how I mentioned that sunny gardens produced showy
blooms? Even though shade plants aren’t as colorful or flashy as sun-loving
varieties, you can still score some pretty sweet color. Classic foxglove comes
in charming hues such as purple, pink, white, and yellow. Low-growing coral
bells feature leaves in colors ranging from purple-metallic to lime green. And
my personal favorite, hydrangeas, feature large clusters of blooms in pink,
white, blue, and more. Learn about even more colorful shade plants from HGTV.
Design. Get free plans for stunning shade gardens a la
Better Homes and Gardens here.
Get more
shade-garden-growing particulars from Lowe’s.
Happy shade gardening!
Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All
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