Shade gardens provide an inviting and cool refuge from the summer sun. They are a perfect place to relax and have pleasure. With benches, chairs, and pavilions scattered around, a shady garden offers a comfortable place to sit, read, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply take in the beauty of nature.
Some plants that can be used in a shade garden are pansies, petunias, asters, lilies, ferns and geraniums. If you want a more colorful garden, include varieties of carnations, roses and hibiscus. If you prefer taller plants, choose ivy or camellias. Shapes can vary too- some simple options include spheres, pyramids and plates. Finally, mix and match different colors and textures to create your own unique shade garden.
Shade plants can be used in a garden that is located in an area that receives less sunlight. Perennials or annuals can be used in a shade garden because they will survive the short growing season and can re-grow if they are not damaged by frost.
Adding a water feature or bird feeder to your garden can add interest and color. Water features can be beautiful additions to any yard, while bird feeders offer birds a place to eat and add to the biodiversity of your garden.
If you live in a hot climate, a shade garden can be a big help in relieving the heat. Shade gardens provide both shelter from the sun and cool, refreshing ground underfoot. They are perfect for areas that get intense sunlight, such as the side of a house or near a road.
Different plants bring life and color to any garden, but it's also possible to create a truly unique space by experimenting with different colors and plants. A brightly-colored bed of petunias may not be the best choice for a dark garden, for example, while a tallandra could work well in a smaller space. With a little creativity, it's easy to find the perfect mix for your own space.
Closely spaced plants screen out noise and help to create a peaceful environment. Plant tall plants to frame the view and create a more pleasing sight.
Some plants can be used as groundcover in low traffic areas. These plants help to keep the ground clean and can also provide some color and texture to an area. These plants should be chosen carefully, as they may not do well in areas with high traffic.
Choose a time of year when you want to mulch your garden. Fall or winter are good times to do this, because the ground will be colder and less likely to spoil the mulch. You can either mulch using leaves, straw, or wood chips.
