Planning your shade garden: Tried and true ideas
Introduction
Gardening is one of life's simple pleasures. There's something about spending time outside, getting your hands dirty, and watching your plants grow that's deeply satisfying. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a newbie, there's always something new to learn. One area of gardening that can be particularly challenging is creating a shade garden. In this article, we'll discuss some tried and true ideas for planning your shade garden.
Types of Shade
Before we get into the specifics of planning a shade garden, it's important to understand the different types of shade. There are two main types: partial shade and full shade. Partial shade occurs when sunlight is filtered through a canopy of tall trees or a trellis. Full shade occurs when there is little to no direct sunlight, such as under a dense canopy of trees or near a north-facing wall.
Plants for Partial Shade
Partial shade offers a lot of opportunities for planting a wide variety of plants. Here are some tried and true ideas for plants that thrive in partial shade:
- Hostas: These plants come in many sizes, shapes, and colors and are perfect for filling in garden beds.
- Heuchera: Also known as coral bells, these plants have a wide variety of foliage colors and add a lovely pop of color to any garden.
- Hydrangeas: These flowering shrubs are a popular choice for their large, showy blossoms.
- Astilbes: These plants have feathery plumes of flowers that come in white, pink, and red.
Plants for Full Shade
Full shade can be a little more challenging when it comes to planting, but there are still plenty of options. Some plants that do well in full shade include:
- Hostas: While they also do well in partial shade, many varieties of hostas can tolerate full shade.
- Ferns: There are many different types of ferns that thrive in full shade, including lady ferns, ostrich ferns, and maidenhair ferns.
- Hellebores: Also known as Lenten roses, these plants produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple.
- Bleeding Hearts: These plants have heart-shaped flowers that hang from long stems and come in shades of pink and white.
Designing Your Shade Garden
Now that you have an idea of what plants will do well in your shade garden, it's time to start designing. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and functional shade garden:
Use Containers
One great way to add some interest to your shade garden is to use containers. Plant some shade-loving annuals in pots and place them strategically throughout your garden. This adds color and texture while also giving you the flexibility to move plants around if needed.
Add Some Color
Just because your garden is shaded doesn't mean it has to be boring. Add some color with brightly colored foliage or blooming plants. Keep in mind that bright colors can be more visible in a shady area than in direct sunlight.
Don't Forget About Texture
Texture is an important element of any garden design, but it's particularly important in a shade garden where the lack of direct sunlight can make things feel flat and dull. Incorporate plants with varying textures, such as large-leaved hostas, feathery ferns, and spiky hellebores.
Use Pathways
Create pathways through your shade garden to make it more inviting and interesting. Use stepping stones, gravel, or mulch to create a clear path that leads visitors through your garden. Be sure to keep the path well-maintained and clear of debris.
Maintaining Your Shade Garden
Once you've designed and planted your shade garden, it's important to keep up with maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping your shade garden looking its best:
Watering
Plants in a shade garden still need water, but they often require less than plants in a sunny garden. Be sure to water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilizing
Plants in a shade garden often require less fertilizer than plants in a sunny garden. Use a slow-release fertilizer sparingly to avoid overfeeding your plants.
Weeding
As with any garden, weeds can quickly take over in a shade garden if left unchecked. Be sure to weed regularly to keep your garden looking neat and tidy.
Pruning
Plants in a shade garden can become overgrown and leggy if not pruned regularly. Prune back any dead or damaged branches, as well as any growth that's encroaching on other plants.
Conclusion
Creating a shade garden can be challenging, but it's also a great opportunity to try out some unique and beautiful plants. By understanding the types of shade and incorporating various elements of design, you can create a lovely and functional shade garden that you'll enjoy for many years to come.