Annuals are a fantastic way to add some color and life to a shady garden. They come back each year, so you don't have to worry about them failing to provide flowers or foliage. Some great annuals for shady gardens are butterfly bushes, zinnias, calendulas, and petunias.
Ground cover plants add color and texture to a garden in between taller specimens, providing a soft landing for the feet while allowing plenty of ventilation. Some colorful low-growing plants work well as ground cover, including ferns, petunias, and caladiums. Spiderwort and creeping jenny can provide coverage from morning dew or occasional rain showers.
A plant shade garden in front of your home can help reduce heat and glare on your property. Planting shade trees and shrubs near your home can help block out sunlight, reducing the amount of heat that reaches your home. This can also reduce the number of dust and pollen particles that accumulate on your property, contributing to respiratory problems. Additionally, a plant shade garden can provide beauty and interest to your property, enhancing its appearance.
Some plants that can be hardy in your area and create a shady oasis include: hosta, dogwood, yaupon holly, Virginia creeper, butterfly bush, and philodendron. These plants are great for providing shade in areas that receive a lot of sunlight. Additionally, they are typically low-maintenance plants that will not require a lot of water or care.
Some plants with bright colors or foliage that will provide relief from the sun are umbels, dahlias, calendulas, foxgloves, petunias, and lantanas.
There are many drought tolerant plants that can be adapted to a well-drained garden. Some examples include selections of succulents, hardy fruit trees and vegetables, and groundcovers. These plants can survive periods of dry weather with little water and still produce flowers, fruits, or vegetables.
If you want to help preserve the environment, you should try to use native plants. Native plants grow in the area where they are found and help keep the land healthy. Native plants also have strong roots and can defend themselves against pests and diseases.
