Often gardeners feel that planting the shady areas of their garden is a challenge. But creating a successful shade perennial garden need not be difficult, with the proper planning and plants.
There are several factors you should consider before planting to ensure your shade perennial garden will be a success. Here are five questions you should ask yourself when starting to plan your shade perennial garden:
1) What kind of shade do you have? Will you be gardening in light, medium or full shade? By knowing the exact light situation in your shade perennial garden you will be able to select the correct plants for your garden.
2) What kind of soil do you have? Often the shady regions of your garden will be under larger trees. These areas can be a challenge for plants to grow in not only for the lack of sunlight, but also because they will be competing with the trees for nutrients in the soil. Furthermore, some trees like evergreen conifers, shed needles that cause the environment under the tree to be very acidic, and this must be taken into consideration when selecting shade perennial plants and preparing the site. Many shade perennial flowers and plants are native to woodland areas, and like a slightly acid soil. You can easily test the soil in your shade perennial garden by using a soil testing kit from a gardening supply company, or taking a soil sample to you local County Cooperative Extension office.
3) How does your soil drain? Most shade loving plants do not love having their roots wet for long periods of time. You can test the soil in your shade perennial garden by digging a small hole and filling it with water. If there is water still standing in the hole after a few hours, you have a drainage problem and you should either amend the soil to lighten it and promote drainage, or select plants that thrive in wet soil.
4) When are you planting your shade perennial garden? Spring is often an ideal time to plant your shade perennial garden since rainfall is abundant and plants will have a chance to become established before it gets too hot and dry. Fall can also be a good time as long as there is enough time for the plants to become well enough established to survive winter temperatures (even so, a mulch will probably be useful in your newly planted shade garden).
5) Is there sufficient water? Although it may be surprising, shade perennial gardens often need more water than their sun perennial counterparts. This is because most shaded areas are under trees which will compete heavily for water (and nutrients). Be sure you have an adequate water source for your shade perennial garden.
By answering these questions and following these suggestions, you should be well on your way to creating a beautiful, and successful shade perennial garden. For even more tips on gardening in the shade, and lists of shade loving flowers and plants, please visit the Shade Perennial Garden Home Page.
