Shade Garden
A shade garden can be just as beautiful as any other garden bed. There are a number plants available that require full shade in order to thrive. There are shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals that require the shade and they offer a number of sizes and textures. We no longer need to fill in these dark places with mulch or stone. Most people would agree that sun beds tend to be more continually colorful but shade beds can be every bit as attractive in a different way. Most of the plants that thrive in low light are unique and therefore are interesting. There are a number of perennials that do well in these beds including Astilbe, Anemone, Iris, Hosta, ferns, Prim Rose and Viola just to name a few. Annuals such as Pansies, Coleus and some varieties of Sylvia do well in these beds also. As with any bed, it is important to properly prepare the soil with compost and nutrients. Decide what arrangement you want and choose the appropriate sizes first and then think about adding color, maybe even some ground cover. These beds can be designed like any other bed since there is a fairly good selection of plants. A nice effect might be to start with two trees placed fairly close together. Both trees could have spring bloom and nice fall color. Add some shrubs that are equally as showy and maybe a birdbath or birdhouse. Then pick your perennials and annuals to finish the bed. You now have a full and beautiful shade bed that offers color and change all year long. Instead of ignoring a shady area create a beautiful shade garden that will last for years.
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