Calhoun County, AL – In 2018 my backyard consisted of two 1965 Maple Trees. Step by step I added shade loving plants surrounding these trees. The first investment was to create raised beds with organic soil. However, I wanted the raised beds to look like they were woodland, not modern. So! I used large fallen tree limbs, cross crossed to create raised edges. I filled those spaces with compost. Next, I planted Albo Hostas and lady ferns inside two Pedastal antique giant pottery. I placed the pottery near a brick colored Windsor Bench I stained. On the opposite side of the shade area is semi sun. I grew vines on rustic cattle panel trellis supports (Jackmanii Clematis and Dwarf American Amethyst Falls Wisteria). These vines became the shade gardens privacy wall. I continued adding Blue Elegance hostas, watermelon coral bell, Japanese Holly Rock Fern, asters, lilies, Oregon Grape Shrub, Wyoming cannas for their bronze leaves, Elizabeth Ginger stalks, Bamboo inside two giant pots, 4 o’clock, Coleus, Caladiums, Ruby Slippers Hydrangea, and a wildlife clay watering bowl with etchings, called a sun bowl. In four years the shade garden exhibited 90% of my favorite shade loving plants. I continue to expand the outer edges, and incorporate semi sun bulbs, corms, rhizomes, tubers and perennials. I want to encourage you to create a relaxing shade garden you can enjoy for years to come!
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She is an organic gardener since 1998. Signature flower she grows are Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, raised bed garden, and in ground garden. Both her surnames are agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: [email protected]
