PERENNIAL SHADE GARDENING
Shade gardening evokes a calm, inviting feeling. Having a shady area is not an obstacle, but an opportunity to discover many of the shade tolerant perennials available for use.
How to determine if you have a shade garden:
If shade is present for four or more hours, this could be an area where sunlight filters through deciduous trees with branches or an east or north-facing slope of the shady side of a building, then these areas are known as light to partial shade. If you have an area that is always in the shade through out the day, then this is called full shade.
How to pick your plants:
Consider the foliage colors and patterns when you are designing your garden. For example: Ophiopogon planiscapus “Nigreascens” (Black Mondo Grass) looks wonderful at the base of Fuchsia Magellanica “Aurea”. These could be good plants to use in your light to partial shade garden. Lamium or hosta would be great plants to brighten up your full shade garden.
Preparing the ground before planting:
Thorough soil preparation prior to planting is essential for long-term success. Make sure grass and weeds are completely removed from the area. Organic matter or planting compost should be added to the existing soil to improve drainage and improve root growth. Don’t forget to water your plants in.
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