Perennial Shade Garden

Many gardeners consider planning and planting a perennial shade garden a challenge but I have always considered it a great opportunity to bring light into an otherwise dark section of ones outdoor living area.

The plants available for shady and partially shaded gardens are certainly among those considered being especially visually appealing.

Garden ferns can add a lacy elegance to the perennial shade garden with numerous forms to select from.

The Japanese Painted Fern has enjoyed great popularity in the United States for the last twenty years and rightfully so as the fonds are tri-toned with light colors contrasting against a darker green.

Japanese Painted Ferns are rather low growing so they can be used as a border plant.

Many selections sport bright foliage such as various hostas with variegated leaves of green and white or yellow.

Or perhaps blue leaves complimented with cream and gold would be more to your liking.

Or choose from all yellow or golden leaf sports.

Astilbe is attractive when planted in an area of the garden where dappled or partial shade is available.

Some of the Astilbes’ floral colors such as white, pink and lavender are quite bright in filtered light.

When a ground cover is required to complete a design theme Pachysandra should perform well for you.

The evergreen foliage helps this low grower to provide year round interest and welcomes spring with its white blooms.

Fancy leaf caladiums thrive in the shade with varieties featuring almost totally white or light colored leaves providing the most impact.

They are easy to grow and require only watering for gardening success.

For your benefit we have included several shade garden designs along with plant selections and quantities required in order to complete each project.

Feel free to alter the layouts as necessary to fit the space that you have available.

Plants can be substituted should you find forms that you prefer over the ones that we have chosen.