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Growing Perennials

Shade Garden Design | How to do it right!

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Is your shade garden kind of bland? It doesn’t have to be! Shade Gardens can be so gorgeous with the right design. Use these tips to build yourself the best shade garden you can in your space.

shade garden design

How to Design a Shade Garden:

  • Create layers of interest. Use a variety of plants with different heights, textures, and colors to create a visually interesting garden. For example, you could plant tall ferns and hostas in the background, with shorter plants like astilbe and heuchera in the foreground.
  • Use foliage plants. Many shade-tolerant plants have beautiful foliage that can add interest to your garden even when they’re not in bloom. For example, hostas, ferns, begonias, Darmara and coleus all have colorful and interesting leaves.
  • Add some flowers. While foliage plants can provide plenty of visual interest, adding some flowers to your shade garden can really brighten things up. Some good choices for shade flowers include Astilbe, Columbine, Begonia and Trillium!
  • Use groundcovers. Groundcovers are a great way to fill in empty spaces in your shade garden and prevent weeds from taking over. Some good choices for shade groundcovers include pachysandra, vinca, creeping jenny and liriope.
  • Add some hardscaping. Hardscaping elements like brick pathways, patios, and water features like ponds or fountains can add structure and interest to your shade garden. They can also help to define different areas of your garden and make it more functional.

Read Top Perennials for your shade garden here!

Here are some additional tips for designing a shade garden:

  • Don’t be afraid to choose plants that are native to your area. These plants will be more likely to thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions and they are just as beautiful as non natives.
  • Plant in a location that gets at least some morning sun. This will help to keep the plants from getting too leggy.
  • Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
  • Water regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Consider setting up drip irrigation to take the watering to the next level.
  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance shade garden that will bring you joy for years to come.

Happy Gardening!

Top 10 Perennial Shade Garden Plants + Tips!

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Shade garden plants are often underestimated. Shade gardens are some of the most gorgeous gardens to see. They don’t often suffer from the same issues as full sun plants and are very whimsical cool! If you’ve got a shady bare area you are in the right place! You will learn about 10 shade perennials and you will learn how to plant a shady garden.

perennial shade garden plants

Top 10 Perennial Shade Plants

  1. Hostas (Hosta spp.) are a classic choice for shade gardens. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your space. Hostas are known for their large, heart-shaped leaves, which can be green, blue-green, yellow, or variegated. They also produce flowers in shades of white, lavender, or pink. You can also find mini Hostas that stay small and can fit into small spaces needing a little green.
  2. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.) is another great choice for shade gardens. It produces airy, delicate blooms in shades of pink, white, and red. Astilbes are known for their long bloom period, which can last for several weeks. They are also pretty low-maintenance plants.
  3. Heucheras (Heuchera spp.) are known for their colorful foliage. They come in a variety of shades, including green, red, orange, and purple. Heucheras are also evergreen which means they hold their foliage all year long.
  4. Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla) is a low-maintenance perennial that produces blue flowers in spring. It’s a great choice for shady spots that don’t get a lot of foot traffic. Brunnera is also known for its attractive foliage, which is blue-green with silvery markings.
  5. Trillium (Trillium spp.) is a woodland wildflower that produces white, pink, or purple flowers in spring. It’s a great choice for shady spots that are near trees or shrubs. Trillium is a relatively slow-growing plant, but it will eventually form a large clump.
  6. Epimedium (Epimedium spp.) is a shade-loving perennial that produces flowers in shades of pink, white, and yellow. It’s a great choice for ground cover in shady spots. Epimedium is also known for its attractive foliage, which is often variegated.
  7. Maidenhair fern (Adiantum spp.) is a delicate fern that’s perfect for shady spots. It’s a great choice for adding texture and interest to your garden. Maidenhair ferns prefer moist, well-drained soil.
  8. Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) are a spring-blooming perennial that produces blue flowers in clusters. They’re a great choice for shady spots that get some morning sun. Virginia bluebells are relatively short-lived plants, but they will reseed themselves and can become invasive if left unchecked.
  9. Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum spp.) is a shade-loving perennial that produces white or pink flowers in spring. It’s a great choice for adding height and interest to your shade garden. Solomon’s seal is also known for its attractive foliage, which is often variegated.
  10. Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) is a spring-blooming perennial that produces lavender or white flowers. It’s a great choice for shady spots that get some morning sun. Woodland phlox is relatively low-maintenance and will spread to form a large clump over time.

Now that you know the Top 10 Perennial shade garden plants it’s time to plant!

shade garden

How to Design a Shade Garden

  • Choose the right plants. Not all plants are created equal when it comes to shade. Some plants, like hostas, ferns, and astilbe, thrive in shady conditions. Others, like Panicle Hydrangeas, Phlox, Cannas, need full sun to produce abundant blooms.
  • Prepare the soil. Shade gardens can have poor drainage, so it’s important to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility at planting. Then each year add a new layer of mulch/ compost for continuous improvement.
  • Water regularly. Plants in shade don’t dry out as quickly as plants in full sun, but they still need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Set up a regular schedule for watering. Your plants will thank you!
  • Mulch around the plants. Mulch helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds. It also helps to protect the roots of the plants from the cold in winter. My favorite mulches to use are wood mulch or leaf mulch.
  • Add some hardscaping. Hardscaping elements, such as pathways, patios, and water features, can add structure and interest to your shade garden. They can also help to define different areas of the garden and make it more functional and beautiful.
  • Enjoy your shade garden! With a little care and attention, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance shade garden that will bring you joy for years to come.

Just because you have a shady garden doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful garden full of amazing foliage and flowers. Don’t limit yourself or your gardens capabilities. Do the research and plant the shade plants!

Happy Gardening!

20 Drought tolerant plants for the forgetful gardener

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Do you love to garden but hate watering? So many gardeners long for a beautiful lush garden but suck at remembering to water. We all know that if you aren’t properly watering your garden, it will not grow as lushly as it could. I’ve got a list of 20 plants that you can forget to water and still have that nice garden you want.

drought tolerant plants

Here are 20 drought tolerant plants to grow for the forgetful gardener:

Before you plant these in ground make sure to check your gardening zone. Not all plants are hardy to all garden zones. If you are not sure how to check your zone, read this post!

  • Agave – This succulent plant is known for its sharp spines and spiky leaves. It can grow in a wide range of soil types and is very drought tolerant.
  • Aloe vera – This succulent plant is known for its medicinal properties and ability to survive in dry conditions. It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.
  • Artemisia – This genus of plants includes a variety of drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials. They are known for their silvery foliage and airy flowers.
  • Bougainvillea – These colorful shrubs are drought-tolerant and can grow in a range of soil types. They are known for their vibrant bracts, which are often mistaken for flowers.
  • Coneflower – This genus of perennials includes a variety of drought-tolerant flowers. They are known for their daisy-like blooms and tall, sturdy stems.
  • Feverfew – This perennial plant is known for its daisy-like flowers and ability to repel mosquitoes. It is a good choice for gardens in hot, dry climates.
  • Gaillardia – This genus of perennials includes a variety of drought-tolerant flowers. They are known for their daisy-like blooms and bright colors.
  • Lavender – This fragrant herb is a popular choice for gardens in hot, dry climates. It is known for its purple flowers and ability to attract bees and butterflies.
  • Penstemon – This genus of perennials includes a variety of drought-tolerant flowers. They are known for their tubular flowers and long blooming season.
  • Russian sage – This shrub is known for its silvery foliage and spikes of blue flowers. It is a good choice for gardens in hot, dry climates.
  • Sedum – This genus of succulents includes a variety of drought-tolerant plants. They are known for their fleshy leaves and colorful flowers.
  • Sempervivum – This genus of succulents includes a variety of drought-tolerant plants. They are known for their rosettes of fleshy leaves and ability to survive in harsh conditions.
  • Stonecrop – This genus of succulents includes a variety of drought-tolerant plants. They are known for their fleshy leaves and ability to survive in harsh conditions.
  • Verbena – This genus of annuals and perennials includes a variety of drought-tolerant flowers. They are known for their bright colors and long blooming season.
  • Zinnia – This genus of annuals includes a variety of drought-tolerant flowers. They are known for their bright colors and daisy-like blooms.

Many of these seeds are easily started from seed! Here is a seed starting guide to help you get started!

These are just a few of the many drought tolerant plants that are available. With so many options to choose from, you can find the perfect plants to add beauty and color to your garden, even in the driest of climates and the most forgetful gardeners.

Happy Gardening

How to Plant a Tree

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Trees are a wonderful addition to any garden. There are so many types of trees and they all offer different benefits to your garden, environment and eco system. If you have a small garden you can grow dwarf trees. If you need shade pick trees that grow tall with a large canopy. If you want to grow your own fruit their are a wide variety of fruit trees to choose from. There is a tree perfect for every garden and gardener!

plant a tree

When picking the right tree there are several questions you need to ask yourself:

Size. Do you have enough space to grow this tree?

Roots. Will the root system cause damage if planted to close to structures?

Flower. Do you want your tree to bloom and for how long? What kinds of blooms do you want?

Seed. Does the tree drop tons of seed everywhere and is it invasive?

Seasonal Color: Do you want colorful fall foliage?

Maintenance. How much work is needed to keep this tree healthy?

Hardiness. Will this tree survive and thrive in my garden zone?

If you need help finding your gardening zone read this post!

plant a tree

“The tree is more than first a seed, then a stem, then a living trunk, and then dead timber. The tree is a slow, enduring force straining to win the sky.”

― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Here are the steps on how to plant a tree:

  1. Choosing the right location. Choose a location that gets full sun or partial shade. The tree should be planted away from sidewalks, driveways, and other areas where people and vehicles might walk or drive. It’s also important to make sure the tree is planted in an area where it will have enough room to grow. So many badly planted trees have ruined homes and sidewalks.
  2. Prepare the soil. The soil should be loose and well-drained. If the soil is compacted, loosen it with a shovel or garden fork. If the soil is poor, add some compost or other organic matter to improve it.
  3. Dig the hole. The hole should be two to three times wider than the root ball of the tree. The depth of the hole should be the same as the depth of the root ball.
  4. Remove the tree from the pot or burlap. If the tree is in a pot, gently tip the pot on its side and slide the tree out. If the tree is in burlap, cut the burlap away from the root ball.
  5. Place the tree in the hole. Center the tree in the hole and make sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  6. Backfill the hole. Fill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  7. Water the tree. Water the tree thoroughly until the soil is saturated.
  8. Mulch around the tree. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the tree, being careful to keep the mulch away from the trunk. Adding too much mulch around the trunk can cause rot and kill your tree.
  9. Water the tree regularly. Water the tree deeply and regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
  10. Fertilize. Make sure to fertilize your tree if and when necessary. Do your research! Fertilizer is not a one size fits all.
plant a tree

“If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees.”― Hal Borland

Extra tips for planting trees:

  • Plant the tree in the spring or fall when the weather is cool and moist.
  • Avoid planting a tree on a windy day.
  • If you are planting a tree in a windy area, stake it for support.
  • Protect the tree from animals by installing a fence or barrier around it.
  • Fertilize the tree in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer based on your specific trees needs.
  • Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size.

They say the best time to plant a tree was thirty years ago and the next best time is today. So get out there and plant some trees!

Happy Gardening

Plant these for winter interest in the garden

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When planning your garden most gardeners forget about winter interest. During winter it is nice to have plants that offer some sort of “show” wether its structure, foliage and in some cases blooms. Here are plants that can offer winter interest in the garden!

winter interest in the garden
  • Evergreens: Evergreens are a great way to add color and texture to the winter garden. They provide year-round interest and can help to screen out unsightly views. Some popular evergreens include pines, spruces, firs, and junipers. Evergreens just like the name hold their color all year long.
  • Winter-blooming shrubs: Winter-blooming shrubs add a welcome burst of color to the winter garden. Some popular winter-blooming shrubs include winter jasmine, witch hazel, and Christmas rose.
  • Perennials with colorful foliage: Perennials with colorful foliage can add interest to the winter garden even when they are not in bloom. Some popular perennials with colorful foliage include coral bells, heuchera, hellebores and Brunnera to name a few.
  • Ornamental grasses: Ornamental grasses add movement and texture to the winter garden. They can also provide winter interest with their seed heads and foliage. Some popular ornamental grasses include miscanthus, pampas grass, and fountain grass.
  • Clematis: Clematis can be trained to climb a trellis or arbor, or they can be allowed to trail over a wall or fence. They add interest to the garden with their colorful flowers in the spring and summer, and their attractive seed heads in the fall and winter.
winter interest in the garden
Photo by Alissa Nabiullina on Pexels.com

When choosing plants for your winter garden, it is important to consider the climate in your area. Some plants are more cold-hardy than others. It is also important to consider the amount of sunlight your garden receives.

Some plants prefer full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Don’t waste your money by buying perennials that won’t survive in your growing zone.

To learn your growing zone read this post!

It’s so easy to forget about your garden through winter. I get it, it’s cold and gloomy and all you want to do is stay in and be cozy. When shopping for winter interest plants make sure that they are hardy for your zone and that you keep them well cared for during their first spring, summer and fall so that they can survive winter.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

5 Fall Bulbs to Plant in Mass for Spring Blooms

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Fall is a great time to think about spring. Starting around September you will start seeing displays in your local stores and online selling fall planted bulbs for spring blooms. Many spring bulbs are planted in fall because they need a cold period to be able to bloom properly. There are so many different varieties that you can choose from but here are 5 that do very well and put on a great spring show!

Daffodils

Daffodils are so gorgeous and easy going. I have several naturalized areas of daffodils in the garden and they require no maintenance after planting. There are many different types of Daffodils to choose from so you can plant as many are you like. Be sure that once your blooms are spent you leave the foliage up for several weeks. This allows the bulbs to store energy for next spring.

yellow cluster petaled flowers. spring bulbs
Photo by Hilary Halliwell on Pexels.com

Hyacinths

Hyacinths are an amazing flower to add to the spring garden. They offer a cool flower structure and a great floral smell. Plant them in mass and you’ll have the best smelling spring garden in the neighborhood.

selective focus of blooming purple hyacinth flowers. Spring Blooms
Photo by ambrosiniv on Pexels.com

Crocuses

One of the first to pop in the spring these petite beauties make a big impact planted in mass. Be sure to not cut the foliage too soon after the flowers are spent.

purple and white petaled flowers
Photo by Heiner on Pexels.com

Tulips

When most people think of spring blooms they think of tulips. Tulips are classic among many gardeners for many years. Did you know tulips were once used a currency? Crazy right? Plant Tulips in mass and watch your neighbors heads turn as they drive or walk past your home.

yellow and pink tulip field selective focus photography. Spring Blooms
Photo by Jos van Ouwerkerk on Pexels.com

Alliums

Adding Allium to your spring garden will create a space full of whimsy. There are many different types you can plant that have eye catching blooms!

purple allium flowers in close up photography
Photo by Jeffrey Eisen on Pexels.com

Fall is a great time to start planning and planting for spring blooms. Having a pop of color in the garden early in the year will motivate you to get outside.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

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