DIY Network

Shade Gardening Shade Gardening From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-305

If you think your yard has too much shade, think again. Gardening expert Jessie Mack Burns has some helpful hints for choosing plants that thrive in low-sun location.

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Figure A

Q: We have two big trees that blanket our yard in shade. What can I plant in the flowerbeds that will grow despite the shade?

A: (Jessie Mack Burns) I relate to this problem in particular because I actually have the same problem in my own yard. Fortunately, there are a number of plants that thrive in shade and among them, you're likely to find more than a few that you'll want to add to your landscape.

Materials:

Plant material of the desired variety and quantity
Soil test kit (if planting near or beneath a tree)
Small spade or shovel
Gardening gloves

1. Before you get started positioning your new plants, make sure the areas where you'll be planting are indeed shady spaces. Although a yard may have a fair amount of shade, it doesn't necessarily mean there aren't a few sunny areas as well. (And planting shade-loving plants in a full-sun area just won't work!)

2. If you find yourself wanting to plant certain varieties that require partial sun, you might consider trimming back any overhead branches (figure A) to allow the plants the necessary amount of light. But beware: Don't plant your beds too close to a tree's root structure because sooner or later the roots will disturb your plantings.
   

3. Another important point to consider when planting beneath a tree is soil consistency. Since fallen, decaying leaves can directly affect soil quality, take a soil test reading to make sure the soil makeup is consistent with the needs of your plants.

Burns has numerous suggestions when it comes to plant material. When shopping for plants that will thrive in shade or partial shade, keep the following varieties in mind:

• Autumn fern (figure B): This leafy beauty is a great option for adding texture and interest to shady areas.

• Tiger lily (figure C): The light, vibrant color of this spiky plant is a great way to brighten up dark areas of a landscape.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• Hostas (figure D): A common favorite among gardeners, hostas come in almost every shade of green imaginable: deep blue-green, silvery green, light green and a deep, dark green that's nearly black. With their impressive foliage and wide variety of colors, hostas are ideal for adding contrast to any landscape.

• Rainbow leucothoe (figure E): Planted in multiples, this shrub variety can be trimmed into an attractive hedge row.

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

• Impatiens (figure F): These flowering plants do well in shade and provide a number of color options for those interested in adding blooms to their beds. Impatiens come in red, pink, purple, white and many more shades. These plants also include a number of different varieties (New Guinea impatiens are probably the best known), all of which grow well in shade.

• Green leaf begonias (figure G): With their broad, nicely shaped leaves, green leaf begonias are a great choice for shade gardens. (But be sure to select only green-leaf varieties; their dark-leaf counterparts aren't shade lovers.) Common bloom colors include pink, white and red.

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

• Primrose (figure H): If you're looking for a flower with a center of a contrasting shade, you might consider this perky bloom, which will thrive in either partial or full shade. This variety also comes in beautiful single-color bloom as shown in figure I.

  As you plant your shade garden, keep in mind that variety of color and texture is the secret to creating dramatic impact with your plants. By using just the right amount of each, you can effectively highlight your shady areas and make them just as gorgeous as any full-sun garden!

Figure H

Figure I