Some trees to consider for creating shade are: Japanese maple, pines,
flowering plums, cherries, crab apples, beeches, Gingko, and Magnolia Soulan
Giana.
Using a Structure to Create Shade
Deciduous vines:
Chinese Goose Berry, Kiwi
vine; hardy to zone 8 and grows rapidly to 30 feet forming woody stems.
Clematis hybrids; hardiness varies with the different kinds. This vine grows
quickly to 15 feet.
Gourds; this vine is an annual, so it will require planting each year. Plant
this vine from seeds. Vines grow fast to 20 or 30 feet and bear well.
Morning Glory (Ipomoea Tricolor); this vine is also an annual and requires
planting from seeds. It grows quickly to over 15 feet with beautiful trumpet
shaped flowers.
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus Quinquefolia); hardy to zone 4, starts slow
but grows rapidly to 50 feet. It leaves grow to 6 inches wide and will add
shade quickly. It is known for its bright green color in the summer and its
brilliant red color in the fall.
Anchor these vines to a trellis or fence. For added shade you might try an
overhead trellis or even a pergola.
Shade Gardening with Color
Ideas for color schemes can be found anywhere. The assortment of blooming
shade plants is extensive and growing every year. You might try using tints and
shade of only one color-for example, scarlet, various tints of pink, and a deep
shade of red or maroon.
Or you might use a plant whose colors are related- red and violet, blue and
violet, or yellow-orange. Some gardeners prefer using colors that complement
each other- orange and blue, yellow and violet, red and green. Although these
colors are bold, they may be ideal for a deeply shaded garden.
Flowering plants can also change the atmosphere of the garden.
For summer warmth in shady garden try using colors ranging from yellows to reds.
These colors will brighten the space and make it feel warmer.
Shaded areas planted with colors ranging from green to violet will give the
impression of coolness. Cool-colored plants are good for close viewing and will
also help to make an area appear larger.
Use blooming plants to highlight an area that would otherwise be
un-noticeable or unappealing.