Many DC North residents are often challenged to transform that shaded space, that is their garden, into something lush and inviting. Perhaps the most common reason for failure in shade gardening is poor investigation of plant requirements.

Shade is wonderful, and creating a private shaded garden haven does not have to be elusive. Many aspects of the shade garden are different from gardening in the sun. Shade plants usually grow at a slower rate. Their ability to photosynthesize, (produce nutrients), is usually slower than plants in full sun. Therefore their overall care will be slightly different. Shade gardens usually are higher in humidity with cooler temperatures. Shade plants also have to compete with the trees’ roots for nutrients and moisture in the soil. If you follow these simple primary steps, you can achieve the lush, tranquil, shade garden that you long for.

Keys to success: Survey the Site
Site analysis is important to every garden before it is installed. This is perhaps twice as important in the shade garden. Shade gardens usually contain several microclimates; these can vary from side to side in the garden or from season to season. That wonderful Hosta that seems to thrive in the springtime sun will burn and fry if exposed to full-strength summer rays. Hosta can survive the late afternoon sun of spring, yet come summer, the afternoon sun has enough strength to severely burn their delicate leaves. What about that large maple? Are the plants you place under it going to be able to compete with the root system? Is there a slope that will provide drainage, or is the garden going to be placed in a spot that could benefit from improved drainage? Is there proper air circulation? An analysis of the site before planting will help you understand it. You can then make smart decisions about the shrubs and plants you will install there.   

Careful selection
Whenever you are choosing plants, several important questions should always come to mind. How much space do you have to devote to the plant? What is the overall theme of the garden, and does that plant fit your interpretation of it? Are you adding a plant to contrast an existing garden or inject a complimenting touch to the plants that reside there? This area of garden design can be where many good garden ideas go bad. Take your time. Careful plant selection is very important and though not a fast process, a very worthwhile one.

The easiest method is to select plants that will thrive in you existing conditions. When choosing plants for the shade garden, you may have to amend the soils to provide the proper conditions for the largest selection of plants. If you try to force a plant to adapt to a condition that is less than favorable, you will probably lose the plant. Certainly you will have to work hard for little if any success.

Remember, you garden for the love of it. Gardening should not be a constant struggle. Dry or soggy soils, windy conditions, humidity and quantity of light, will all impact plant growth. Match the plants based on light, then consider all other conditions; you will be surprised by the many choices. If your site analysis revealed that you have an almost impossible site, don’t be discouraged; there are many tough, shade-loving plants.

Designing the garden
This is your time to shine. A garden’s design can be as different as we envision it to be. Take the time to walk around your neighborhood and look at other gardens. Imitation is still the best form of flattery. Focus your attention on those plants that are thriving under large shrubs and trees. Look for gardens that are facing north that contain plants that are thriving. Purchase one of the many plant identification books or one that has a section devoted to shade gardens. Take a garden design class at the local university. Check with your local nursery about design classes or books to help the process. Ask your neighbors what plants have given them success in the shade. Don’t be afraid to experiment. If something does not work, simply move it to another location, or give it to a friend.  

Proper care
All plants require care that is specific to them. Take the time to learn about the plants that you are planning to install. Will they work in the spot that you have designated for them? Is your design flexible enough that you can move things around that may not work in the first microclimate you picked? Remember, plants that are grown in the shade grow slower and generally require less fertilizer and water. The only time this tends to vary is when they are in competition with tree roots.

Here it is helpful to be aware of the first signs of both under- and over-fertilization. Using a general purpose, organic fertilizer will give better overall results. Adjust the rates for slower growth. Many times you can apply the fertilizer at half strength and get good results. Top dressing with composted manure works very well. The best time to apply manure is in early spring, but you can work it into the soil at any other time that the plants seem in need of good slow-release organic compost.

Roll with the punches
No matter how much planning and research you do, there will always be failure in gardening. Shade gardens tend to have a higher rate of failure than their sunny counterparts. Don’t be discouraged. The various climates within a shade garden may make it a little more difficult to find the right plant. Don’t sweat it, plant loss happens even to veteran plant-a-holics. When you see signs of trouble, move the plant to another location. Make some modifications like amending the soil or thinning the tree canopy. If nothing works and the plant dies, use this as the perfect opportunity to experiment with another plant that is new to you. Join a local plant group, and share your experiences. Many people have probably struggled with the same issues.

Shade gardening can be as wonderful as it is challenging. Taking time to understand and explore the differences and necessities of successful shade gardening will give you years of joy in the perfect retreat to beat the heat of summers to come. Enjoy.