Here is a long border that runs from sun to shade with every degree of semi-shade
Fair is the meadow, fairer still the woodland…
Many perennials, ground covers, understory shrubs and trees tolerate varying degrees of shade. The first step in successful shade gardening is a careful assessment of how much sunlight each part of the area receives daily during the growing season. Few areas receive no sun. Others may be shaded in the short days of winter and yet receive many hours of summer sun.
Deep shade is defined as two hours or less of sunlight. A sunny site receives at least six hours of sun. Deep, dry shade is typically found under trees. It might be prudent to simply use an organic mulch in these areas so that the tree is not stressed by competition for water.
The most difficult areas to plant are those receiving too little light for the sun lovers but too much for true shade plants. Fortunately, there are many plants native to woodlands which are well adapted to these conditions. Columbine, coral bells, digitalis, lady's mantle and lilies can thrive there. Most spring-flowering bulbs flourish under deciduous trees. Daylilies are very forgiving and can provide an integrating element for areas that have both sun and semi-shaded situations.
I have found sun-tolerant coleus and caladiums to be problem solvers in tricky situations. One caveat is to consider both the heat tolerance and moisture needs of selections in planning for planting.
One challenge in shade is creating visual interest with varying plant heights and shapes as well as texture and color contrasts. Goat's beard has ferny foliage and is at least four feet tall when in bloom. A great accent plant, it provides a wonderful backdrop for shorter plants all season. Astilbe are lovely whether or not they are flowering. I like to combine them with shade-loving ground covers such as sweet woodruff (left) or ajuga.
Ferns come in many sizes and colors. Use them with hostas or Dicentra eximia, a bleeding heart which blooms all summer.
There are shrubs which do well in partial shade. Azaleas and hydrangeas (below) are classics. Our native azaleas are quite shade-tolerant as well as being well adapted to our soil and weather. Sweet shrub is another old favorite which now has newer selections with showier flowers. Clethra, summer sweet, is a summer-flowering shrub which tolerates wet sites.
Viburnums are a family of trouble-free flowering shrubs, some of which produce attractive fruit that birds love. Shady areas of the summer landscape are most satisfying. Not only are they cooler, but the use of many foliage plants rests the eyes.
Scented flowering plants on the periphery pleasantly perfume sultry summer air. Add a feature with the sound of flowing water and all the senses are refreshingly stimulated.
Master gardener Ann Bartlett never lets lack of familiarity with a plant stop her from trying it in the ornamental beds around her home.
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