If structures are a part of the space that your are planting your shade
garden then try to plant beds on the North, Northeast, and East sides of the
structures. These are the best areas for shade loving plants.
The old rule of thumb in these situations is that most shade-loving plants
will tolerate the morning sun until about noon,
after that success if variable.
Also, keep in mind that as the sun changes its course during the year, the
amount of light that an area receives can change dramatically.
Planning and Designing
All successful gardens, no matter what their location or exposure, are a
combination of three elements:
#1-A well thought-out plan or design. A well thought-out plan or design will
ensure that you will create a more beautiful garden with fewer mistakes along
the way.
#2-The use of plants for color, texture and foliage. Using the plants color
and texture can create dramatic effects in your garden, if done properly.
#3-Lastly, the employment of style to pull the whole scene together.
Consulting different gardening books and materials can ensure that the design
of your garden has plenty of style and balance.
Styles of Shade Gardens
The Woodland Garden-Even the tiniest grove of trees can be incorporated into
a woodland garden. If your area is absent of trees and foliage then you might
want to consider planting some to anchor the space and give you a backdrop for
your shade garden.
Some plants that work well in a woodland garden situation are:
Shrubs- Abelia, Hydrangea, Kalmia, Mahonia, Pieris, Rhododendron, and
Vaccinium
Small trees- Acer Palmatum, Cornus Florida,
Ligustrum, Flowering Dogwood, and Azaleas.
The Oriental Garden-
Gardens in the oriental style are
to a lot of people the most beautiful and shade is an important part of this
garden. Other important design elements that work in an Oriental
Garden are the use of rocks and
also a water feature as a main focal point. (The Chinese character representing
garden is composed of two words, land and water.)
The Oriental styled garden is supposed to be understated and reserved.
To design and Oriental Garden you might want to try a Japanese Maple, a few
small evergreens, some tufts of Dwarf Bamboo, one flowering plant, pebbles, a
flat weathered bench, and a lantern. A tiny pool created by using the top of a
birdbath sunken among rocks and ferns might also be just the focal point that
you need to anchor the space.