Advice on Shade Gardening

Types of shade

Dappled - This is shade produced by open trees or by lathe
structures. There are a wide range of shade loving plants
that will thrive under these conditions.

Open - Lots of good light available but no direct sunlight.
This would be in the shadow of a building or fence.

Medium - Light is further obscured by trees or branches.
Typical of shade that would be found under a deck or
stairwell.

Dense - Very deep shade, such as in a tunnel entrance or
northfacing side yard with minimal reflected light. Plant
selections are fairly limited.

Types of plants
Rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, hostas, coleus, fuchsia,
impatiens and caladiums are some of the most popular, color-
ful and easiest to grow shade loving plants. Visit local
nurseries to see what other types of shade plants they offer
in your area, or check online merchants for more ideas for
your shady spots.

and remember...
Make sure that the ground has a chance to dry out a bit
between waterings in your shady areas. Since the sun doesn't
have a chance to dry the soil out, roots can sometimes
become waterlogged which will encourage root rot.

As well, make sure your plants are spaced out well. Some-
times in the sun we can crowd our plants a little without
damage, but in shade gardens, air circulation is vital to
keep your plants in top health.

Finally, the cool damp condition in your shade garden can
encourages mildew, blight and other problems, so be sure
to keep plant and leaf debris picked up which will help
reduce the spread of disease between plants.

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