120 Popular Shade Garden Designs and Tips
16. Never limit your color scheme. Mashup your shade colors by planting different colored plants. For instance, you may plant bugleweed sapphire-blue spikes next to a light-hued rhododendron.
17. Take advantage of the foliage. Let diverse textures and colors balance each other by making foliage a foundation. For example, place broad caladium leaves perfectly against fancier fern fronds.
18. Blend shade plants creatively. Place short ones like Hosta and Foam flower in front, taller ones like Astilbe at the back and low-growing as ground covers.
19. Avoid creating unnecessary shade at the Northern part of your premises by pinpointing thick conifers.
20. When using shade plants avoid burying tree roots as even a tiny amount of soil could kill some tree species.
21. Use shrubs that thrive in the shade, like camellia, azalea, dogwood, hydrangea, and Rhododendron to secure beds, add structure and height, and also enhance the visuals. Moreover, it’s also quite well known that Azalea plants brighten up shady spots.
22. How far north or south you live determines the plants you need. Plants that need intense sun in northern weather may require limited sun in the South.
23. Learn from prior seasons on how to place shade plants since different seasons alter sun and shade settings in your garden. For instance, if Marigolds die in a particularly sunny spot, but Astilbes do really well in the same spot, then you have found a perfect spot for a shade garden.
24. Rejuvenate your shady spot by combining plants with different textures. Place bold Hostas against fine fern leaves or blend spiky Hakone grass with leafy Bergenias.
25. Try not to drench shade plants with water or going overboard with fertilizing them. Since shade generally stunts growth, plants need minimal light, water, and energy. Besides, mulching enhances moisture retention. So, try to water occasionally only when needed.
