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Step 1
Pick up a Ph kit for your shade garden, and test your soil. Keep in mind the Ph scale goes from 1.0 to 14.0 with a reading of 7.0 being neutral. Look for lime based fertilizer if your Ph reading is low, or sulfur based compost to lower the Ph level. You may find the soil is severely deficient in nutrients, especially if you're planting underneath a tree.
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Step 2
Head down to the garden supply store and buy bulbs known for their durability. Keep in mind that durability is a measure of a plant's ability to survive in cold conditions. Durable bulbs include tulips, crocuses and daffodils.
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Step 3
Buy columbine plants if you want to add some height to your shade garden. Plant the seeds in late fall. Don't be disappointed if you don't get flowers the first year, as many columbine species bloom in their second year.
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Step 4
Hit the local nursery and buy bulbs that produce light colored flowers. If you want your flowers to get noticed in the shade, you need to create a noticeable contrast between the dark shadows and light blossoms. Pick seasonal favorites like daylilies and bluebells.
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Step 5
Incorporate colorful yellow impatiens into your shade garden. These annuals bloom throughout the year. They're hardy and they grow up to 2 feet tall, making them great for creating contrast.
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Step 6
Plant bleeding hearts underneath a shade tree. They're perfect for spring and their light pink flowers really pop in the shade.
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Step 7
Buy astilbes for your shade garden. They are low maintenance plants with colorful pink and white flowers. They bloom in late spring and they last for up to 4 months.
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Step 8
Add density to your shade garden by filling it in with hosta plants. These plants are known for their beautiful light green leaves, and they produce white and purple flowers in the summer months.
