Making the Most of the Dark Side - Shade Garden

When planting a garden it is important to take into account the conditions you will be putting your precious plants into. Soil type, drainage and wind are important considerations, but what is often overlooked is the amount of shade your plants will have to put up with. This is especially important when planting a garden under shade trees. There are some plants that will thrive in a shade garden, though if they are planted under another tree in the garden, there will be competition for nutrients.

When planting in the shade, it is important to choose garden plants that will stand out. Your garden in the shade should include white or pale flowers, and variegated leaves. If you are unsure what plants you should include in your garden in the shade, a visit to a garden nursery will be a great help. There are nurseries that specialize in shade specific plants, but many employees at a regular nursery will be able to advise you which plants are suited to shaded conditions.

Enjoy the Calmness of Your Garden

There are many advantages to a shaded garden. A garden with a lot of shade will usually have fewer insects. In hot climates, garden with a high level of shade can provide respite from the heat and sun.

It is important to remember that there are various levels of shade. Partial shade refers to an area that has five hours or less of direct sunlight on the garden each day, full shade is a garden that receives no direct sunlight at all. Full shade conditions can be an added challenge for the gardener, but a beautiful garden can still be created in this environment, from a rainforest theme to a contemplative moss garden. Discuss with your local nursery what type of garden would best suit the shade and soil conditions for your garden.

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