The Gardener’s Rake

On a cool day it’s relaxing to head to a shady spot and relax. By adding color and texture with plants you can create an area that is also pleasing and restful to the eyes.

Here is a list of some of the more popular shade plants

1. Begonias
2. Day Lilies
3. Ferns
4. Hostas (many colors and sizes available)
5. Impatiens (many colors available)
6. Lilies of the Valley
7. Violets

Shade gardens have a more realistic look if you take the time to look around your yard and neighborhood to see what plants naturally grow in shade. Take a few suggestions from Mother Nature and you will notice a difference. You may even consider digging up a few found or foraged plants from the woods or roadsides.  

You should be able to find day lilies, ferns, violets, lambs ears, violets and much more. These perennials thrive in the shade and multiply with a little care. Collect a few of these kinds of plants for your space and then add other perennials and annuals to the collection.
 
Silver leafed plants like lambs ears or the annual Dusty miller will add contrast to the dark green leaves of hostas.

Textures like feathery ferns will lighten heavy canna leaves and add a feel of air and depth to a garden.

Impatiens come in a variety of color and look great mixed in with mint.
 
If you keep the colors muted it will add a calming affect. An example would be purples and blues and whites and pinks to contrast with the different shades of green.

To plan a garden fist prepare the soil and get out weed and rocks. Place your bigger plants that add emphasis to the garden.

Once you have several plants down, mulch with a well ground root mulch. This will serve as a moisture retainer during dryer spells and add a polished look to the garden area. Do not use wood chips in a shade garden.

If you add rocks, driftwood, or garden art you give the area a touch of you own personality. Stepping-stones and hummingbird feeders will also help add to the charm of the garden area.

With proper planning, those shady area of the yard that sometimes can be hard to manage turn into one of the most pleasing and restful places in the yard.

Tips: Herbs and edibles like kale and lettuce anc also add color and interest into your shade garden

Tags: shade garden, How to plan a shade garden, plants for a shade garden, garden planning