Planning a Shade Garden

Sun-loving gardens produce some of summer's flashiest blooms. But even if you're not blessed with a sun-drenched yard, you can still put your green thumb to good use by growing and maintaining a stunning shade garden. My mother has a small shade garden nestled near a tree-covered section of her yard, and it's one the most tranquil parts of the landscape; perfect for cozying up with a book on a warm summer day.

Think a shade garden would be a fitting addition to your landscape? Though you're better off waiting until fall when the temperature cools, it's a good idea to plan now. Keep these considerations in mind as you plan.

Types of shade. 

Not all shade is equal, according to a handy guide from the University of Illinois Extension. Dappled shade means patches of sunlight hit plants through the leaves in surrounding trees. Plants in medium shade zones receive approximately 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Dense shade is deep, and any plants planted in this area receive zero direct sunlight (which is why very few plants thrive in this kind of shade). Moral of the story? Before bringing plants or seeds home, check their growing requirements to see what type of shade they require.