One of the best surprises I had this summer as I discovered a passion for plants and gardening was the joy I found planting in the woods. I never considered how much peace and relaxation I would find in the woods, nor the sheer volume and variety of plants I would find that could not only live, but THRIVE in the shade.
I am very new to this, and I am sure with time this list will evolve… but for now I want to note my top picks for setting yourself up for success in your shade garden.
~ Hostas
They day I discovered hostas my life pivoted a bit. They are the perfect shade garden plants, thanks to their stunning foliage. With a wide variety of colors, sizes, and textures, these perennials can fit any design scheme. I see a lot of well-established gardens making beautiful use of hostas to accent other shade plants around them. Hostas thrive in the shade… they are incredibly easy to introduce to any shade garden. As a bonus, their flowers bloom in the summer and attract pollinators, adding life to the garden.
~ Ferns
Ferns introduce softness and movement to shade gardens. Ferns prefer consistently moist conditions and can flourish in full or partial shade. Their ability to thrive in low-light areas makes them an excellent choice for creating layers in your planting scheme, where taller ferns can provide a stunning backdrop for shorter plants.
~ Creeping Jenny
When it comes to shade gardens… ground cover is key. You want something that is hardy, pretty, and fast-moving… and Creeping Jenny is all of those, making it the perfect ground cover for your shade garden.
Creeping Jenny features vibrant green leaves that turn golden-yellow in the fall, providing seasonal interest. It can spill over rocks or borders, softening edges and filling in gaps in your landscape. Jenny thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions, making it a versatile choice for shade gardens.
~ Moss
There are very few things in this world I enjoy as much as moss. Always have… always will. Since I was a child it was a texture thing, I think, whatever the reason, I have always been attracted to moss!
Incorporating moss into your shade garden can give it a very unique and serene feel. Moss thrives in damp, shady environments and can create a lush, carpet-like ground cover that feels soft underfoot. It is very low maintenance and can grow in poor soil, making it an excellent choice for areas where other plants may struggle.
And let’s be honest… who doesn’t want to roll around on some moss!
~ Mike
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