-
Step 1
DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHADE: The type of shade you have and choosing plants for that particular light requirement is the most important element of a shade garden. LIGHT SHADE is an area that is shaded but bright. It may be completely shaded for several hours at midday, but sunny the rest of the day. During the summer months, light shade at midday will provide your perennials with a nice cooling effect. Flowers and foliage color are more brilliant when plants are shielded from intense midday sunlight. PARTIAL/MEDIUM SHADE is when the sun's direct rays are blocked from an area for most of the day. This is where sections of the yard are shaded for much of the day, but receive some direct sun early or late in the day. Many flowers and plants that prefer full sun will also grow nicely in partial shade. FULL SHADE lasts all day. Little or no direct sunlight reaches this area of the yard at any time of the day.
-
Step 2
Hostas are a hearty perennial that thrive in shadeCHOOSE PERENNIALS BY TEXTURE AND FORM: Bright and bold colors are less common in shade plants. The plant textures, forms and slight color are important elements in the design of your perennial shade garden. Large leaved plants such as hostas have a course texture, while ferns have a fine texture. Use these texture plants for emphasis. Upright, columnar or pyramidal perennial plants serve best as accents in the shade. Rounded, weeping, or spreading perennials create a spacious effect and can be used liberally.
-
Step 3
Astilbe is a great, colorful shade-loving perennialEMPHASIZE COLORS: Yellow-Green foliage stands out in the shade more than solid green or blue-green foliage. Also light colors such as white, cream, yellow and pink will stand out nicely. Deep reds, blues and purples will fade into the shade unless you set them off by contrasting with a lighter color. If you choose to emphasize your perennial shade garden, concentrate on perennial plants with light colored flowers or foliage.
