Create A Cool Oasis: The Guide To Get Started On Your Shade Garden

• – Sycamores (Platanus)
• – Oaks (Quercus)
• – Maples (Acers)
• – Birches (Betula)
• – Beech (Fagus)

Birch Trees

Full/Dense/Deep Shade

The second type of shade is full, dense, or deep shade. This type of shade lets in little to no sunlight per day.

The more levels of plants that are in your garden, the denser the shade you will create. For this type of shade, you want a large canopy tree, smaller understory trees, and shrubs. This creates many layers to cover your smaller perennials and keep you cool.

Creating Shade

If you have zero shady areas in your landscape but still want a cool place to sit outside, then try creating your very own shady outdoor oasis. You can begin by planting just a large canopy tree, or you can go all out and build an intricate garden with different levels for maximum shade coverage.

Whether you choose to start simple or dive all the way in, it is important to first know the amount of space your are working with for your shady garden to be successful.

Know The Space You Are Working With

As previously mentioned, only a little space is required to begin. If all you have is a shaded balcony, then consider a container garden to brighten up that area. Japanese Maples work well in containers by themselves, but a mixed planter will offer maximum color and texture. Mixing Compact Anemones (as your “thriller”), Heuchera (as your “filler”), and Golden Creeping Jenny (as your “spiller”) offers up a plethora of interesting textures and hues!

Some great perennials for shade containers include:

• – Coral Bells (Heuchera
• – Carex Feather Falls
• – Carex Evergold
• – Anemone Fantasy Pocahontas (compact Anemone)
• – Red Riding Hood (compact Anemone)
• – Golden Creeping Jenny
• – Regal Red Fern
• – Japanese Painted Fern<

Shade Perennial Planter

You can also get creative and mix planters in with your backyard hangout spot. Place them next to a bench, by your door, or in the corners of your patio.

Simple Shade Garden

If you are not working with a large landscape, then consider starting simple. Start with designing a landscape with just a few understory trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Understory plants get their name because they typically grow well under the shade of tall canopy trees. Their root systems are less extensive than canopy trees, making them better suited for a smaller landscape.

Understory trees are typically shorter trees that only reach heights of 15 feet and a few of our top ones include:

• – Dogwoods (Cornus florida)
• – Redbuds (Ceris canadensis)
• – Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
• – Fringe Tree (Chionanthus)

Fringe Tree

A few of our favorite understory shrubs are:

• – Hydrangeas
• – Pieris (Andromedas)
• – Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
• – Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
• – Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
• – Rhododendron
• – Azalea

Hydrangeas In A Shade Garden

Some of the best shade perennials include:

• – Aralia Sun King (Aralia cordata)
• – False Spirea (Astilbe)
• – Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
• – White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata)
• – Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa aureola)
• – Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa aureola All Gold)
• – Lady Fern (Athyrium)
• – Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
• – Dixie Wood Fern (Dryopteris australis)
• – Pachysandra
• – Bugleweed (Ajuga)
• – Vinca

Perennial Shade Garden

If you are looking to fill a large area of your landscape, then start with tall canopy trees. These trees will create massive amounts of shade for you to stay cool under. They are perfect to put a sitting area underneath for you and all of your guests to enjoy!

Due to their extensive root systems, you want to be careful of where you plant your larger trees. Research the size of the canopy of the tree(s) you choose and the amount of space you have. Typically, the size of the canopy and the size of the root system are around the same size. Give your tree plenty of room to grow so that their roots do not become an issue once they reach maturity.

Shade Garden Design Ideas

One last tip to remember when crafting a shade garden is to get creative. One way you can get creative is with the “grass” you choose to surround your plants with. Often times turf grass has a difficult time growing in a shaded area. This provides the perfect opportunity to use groundcovers, such as Golden Creeping Jenny, to add unique textures and colors to your garden beds!

Another great option to consider is using stone and pavers. Include a walkway throughout, or add natural stone to highlight the colors in your shade garden. This opens up a wide variety of choices for enhancing and decorating your home.

Take the time to explore your landscape, plan out the shade you have and the shade you need for your garden to be successful. Have fun exploring all of the different possibilities for your shade garden!