The area under trees is often neglected by gardeners as a place where nothing will grow. To the contrary, a shady spot or wooded area can
be transformed into a natural paradise of color and beauty.
In the typical sunny bed or border, flowers are usually the main attraction. They are often used to create masses of color or drifts.
In your shade garden though, much of the beauty comes from the plant's leaves and their mass as a whole.
Thoughtful arrangement of plant forms, textures, and leaf colors can be equally radiant, making these areas one of the most interesting
places in the garden. Using plantings grouped in complementary and contrasting associations, you can achieve a rich and wonderful variety.
Another factor to consider when planting under trees is the moisture requirements of your chosen plants. Since trees use up large amounts
of water daily, they have well established, vigorous root systems that constantly search for moisture.
Your newly planted plants don't
stand a chance against that kind of competition, unless you water them regularly or install some type of irrigation.
A shade garden's soil must be rich in organic matter, and one of the best way to add humus is with leaf mould. Leaf mould is the fibrous
material created by the partial rotting of fallen leaves and wood.
Shade tolerant plants love leaf mould, it holds moisture and nutrients,
is open and airy, and it makes a natural mulch layer that falling leaves will add to year after year.
Plants for Shady Areas
