Shade Gardens

Image by Elenathewise When Henry Austin Dobson wrote of ‘shadows large and long’ in A Garden Song, he could have been referring to many of our garden spaces. Trees, walls, fences, buildings, and even…

Image by GordonImages Less flashy than sunnier neighbors, shade gardens can seem dull at first glance. A closer inspection, however, reveals the opposite is true: form and texture can combine to create…

Image by Vaivirga Some of the most common issues in the garden are those related directly to pests. Whether insects are attacking prized rose bushes or the mosquitoes have simply become unbearable, many…

Image by mooninwell What shade plants attract hummingbirds? What should you include in a hummingbird shade garden? Begin by planting a variety of nectar-rich flowers that bloom at different times. Select…

Image by HannamariaH Whether you’re planting a shady island bed around a tree or creating one in a shadowy section of the lawn, choosing the right plants can make all the difference. Adding vibrant colors, textures, and…

Image by Martina Simonazzi Matching a plant’s light requirements to shady areas of the garden may seem like a straightforward task. Yet, rarely do shaded areas of the garden fall neatly into the definitions…

Image by scarletsails As a general rule, plants need sun and water to thrive, but what if you have an excess of wet soil and are lacking in the sun department? The good news is there are plenty of shade…

Image by EvaKaufman If your flowerbeds haven’t yet been amended and you’re wondering if you can plant in clay soil, read on. You can put some clay tolerant shade plants into poor soil, but you usually can’t…

Image by Joshua Moore Wildflowers can be a lovely addition to all types of gardens, but especially perennial beds and natural native gardens. If you have a lot of shade, look for woodland species. The best…

Image by Lexluter The addition of ornamental flower gardens can add much needed curb appeal, as well as increase the value of your property. However, the creation of a dynamic landscape will require some…