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Shade Gardens

One of the rewards of summer is the kaleidoscope  of colours that sprout up on lawns, porches and balconies, in garden beds, window boxes and containers all across the city.

But what if you happen to live in an exposure that doesn’t get much sunlight? Or your flower beds receive a lot of shade from a neighbouring building or towering trees? Whatever the reason, you can still enjoy the bounty and colourful beauty of summer, but you need to plan for it.

Here’s how you can pretty up your space without a lot of help from the sun:

The path

A pretty stone or gravel path is a great way to deal with a shaded spot. Not only does it suggest a sense of direction and movement, but it also adds colour and texture to your space.

Chuck the grass

Since super green and lush lawns require sunshine you may want to consider replacing grass with an attractive shade-tolerant ground cover such as Bugleweed, Bugbane and Vinca. The other consideration might be to transform the area into an attractive focal point, using mulch or stone as a ground cover.

Play up texture

Nothing is more dreary and dull than a garden filled with the same colour or shapes. Mix up your leaf and flower shapes, their colours and textures to create added visual  interest.

Boost the cozy factor

The days of grass and a few daisies as the only outdoor ornamentation are over. Today we celebrate and live in our outdoors with zeal so look for art and architecture you can display outside, conversation spots such as a welcoming park bench with cushions and calming water features.  You may not have to look too far for pretty outdoor decorations. Repurpose that old wine barrel into a funky counter-height table or  dress up a pretty old window to use as architectural appeal.

Flower power

Who can resist pretty pinks, blues and yellows? Those that do well in low light include Periwinkle and Mountain Laurel.  Some of the best perennial plants and flowers are Columbine, Hostas, Bellflower, Astilbe, Forget-me-nots, Christmas Rose and Lily-of-the-valley. As for shade-loving annuals, why not try Begonias, Sweet Alyssum and Fuscia.

Vines

Virginia Creeper is perfect as its blue-black berries attract birds in the fall. Other outstanding vines that do well in shade include climbing Hydrangea, Boston Ivy and Clematis.

According to Toronto garden writer Marjorie Harris, it’s best to use native woodlanders in your garden as insects need them to surivive. She suggests starting your shade garden with a selection of ferns, hostas and hellebores. All shade-loving plants need well-drained soil with humus in the topsoil. Check out her Toronto shade garden.

 

Sources: www.bhg.com, www.gardendesign.com, www.sheridannurseries.com

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