Shade gardens are an increasingly popular way to landscape a portion of your yard. They’re a great way to add an air of mystery to an otherwise plain lawn, and when done right, they can be an incredibly relaxing retreat. Here are 5 tips to create the perfect shade garden:
Ditch the Grass
Nearly all grass needs more sunlight than a shade garden allows … even grasses that claim to love shade. So forget the grass. Instead, go with a shade-loving groundcover, like vinca or Japanese painted ferns. Or spread a layer of fragrant mulch and keep the focus on your larger plants.
Blaze a Trail
Your shade garden should be a place where you feel free to escape the rest of the world. So why not build a path into your garden that makes you long to follow it? Choose flagstone pavers for a more rustic feel, or craft a mulch path in a contrasting color. You can even line it with plants that draw more attention to the striking colors.
Bench It
What’s the point of a shade garden you can’t relax and feel comfortable in? Adding a bench not only ensures you’ll use your garden more, but it also adds some visual interest and character to your space. Wooden garden benches are very popular but if you’re thinking about something different then perhaps a carved log seat, or a mossy stone are all good options.
Play with Colors
One of the best things about shade gardens is the unique lighting. Here, your choice of plants really determines the feel of the space. You can use light-colored plants (think yellows, oranges, whites, and pinks) to brighten particularly dark corners, or you can play up the mysterious shadows with large, leafy greenery. The most important thing is to have fun creating the space.
Just Add Water
Want to make your shade garden even more relaxing? Add a water element like a fountain or pond. The water will cool the garden as it evaporates, and the gentle sounds of water will make the space feel so zen.
Want help building your dream shade garden? ABC Scapes is here to help! Give us a call at 602-404-0568 to start planning.