Sun & Shade

Acanthus mollis foliage has been used by Western architects and artists for centuries to adorn classical architecture and currency. Though we see these leaves everywhere in our daily lives, few know much about this bold evergreen perennial that can add great textural elements to the shade garden.

Shady woodland spots need special plants to cope with the unique conditions. Bishop’s cap is a wonderfully behaved, beautiful groundcover that simply lights up these spots with delicate flowers each spring.

Need an easy shade plant but are tired of hosta? Then try gorgeous variegated broadleaved creeping sedge. This well-mannered shade perennial mounder is perfect for edging walkways and adding a spot of color to dark, gloomy garden areas.

Got dappled shade? Then try Allegheny spurge. This clump-forming groundcover has fantastic foliage to lighten up tough garden spaces, as well as cinnamon-scented springtime flowers that beckon gardeners to spend a little more time taking it easy in the shade.

Looking to fill a shady spot with easy-to-care-for drifts of color? Try foamflower! This tough but dainty beauty works in just about any level of shade to give you waves of color that’ll awaken your woodland garden each spring!

If you want to start a shade garden, the first order of business is to evaluate your garden site. By noting your area’s proper sun levels and soil conditions, your shady-garden vision can come to light!

If you’ve got shady spots in your yard, chances are you’ve got room for these great native groundcovers. Not only do they love shade, they’re pretty drought-tolerant, can take care of themselves and are gorgeous to boot!

Full sun, part sun, shade…what exactly does it all mean? Let us help shed some light on what these basic terms imply so you can give your plants what they need for a more beautiful garden this season!

Got shade? Use some shade-loving perennials to fill those often neglected spaces below those big, beautiful trees. No matter how dark or light the area gets, there’s a plant that’ll flourish there with the right care! Start by understanding the three shades of shade.

Measuring the amount of sunlight your planting space gets is the first step toward a beautiful, successful garden. Don’t have the time or patience to measure garden sunlight in your yard? Here’s an easy and affordable option to help you get growing in the “light” direction.

Looking for the right perennial to fit into those shady, natural areas in your garden? Here are three carefree shade-lovers to brighten up your yard and give you long-lasting enjoyment.

Brighten up your garden with five annuals that provide a punch of color in the often dark, dull shade.

Whether you’re interested in woodland gardens or just have a tough shady spot in your yard that’s calling for help, wild ginger may be the plant for you. It’s lush, green leaves work hard to fill in difficult areas and make your garden shine all season long!

Woodland wildflowers add special beauty to the garden, especially in early spring. Used along a path or mixed with other early wildflowers, wild sweet William proves to be a garden gem that shines – even in shade.