How to Create a Shady Retreat Garden
A shady space in your yard, especially one that has respite from late afternoon sun, can be the perfect location for a cooling, calming getaway spot. Combining shade-loving perennials in a subtly contrasting mix of shape, texture and color assures beauty and restfulness for your peaceful retreat.
Keep the final height and width of your chosen plants in mind when placing them in the garden. Place taller ones near the back of border gardens or the center of island-style gardens. Arrange your selections in clusters of 3-5 plants of each variety for the most eye-appeal.
The square footage of your garden area and the individual space requirements of each type of plant you choose will determine how many plants are needed. An average of one plant for every two square feet of space is a good place to start, and then check the individual plant tags for the final determination.
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Project Details
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 2 Hours
Shopping List:
Plant & Mulch quantities are for 100 sq. ft. of garden space:
- 12-20 Plantain Lily (Hosta hybrids) – quantity dependent on final size of chosen varieties
- 12 Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra eximia)
- 12 Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus)
- 8 bags Composted Manure (40-pound each)
- All-Purpose Fertilizer – in your favorite all-purpose formulation
- 1 Soaker hose
- 1-2 Hammocks
- 1 Gazing globe and globe stand
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Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus)
Large, loose, feathery plumes of creamy-white over rich green foliage. Lends a light, airy appearance to the garden.This old-time favorite is guaranteed to please. The perfect choice for brightening lifeless shaded areas.
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Western Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa)
Blooms resembling delicate, puffed up hearts hang gracefully from arching stems. Ferny foliage makes this an attractive plant even when blooms are not present. A wonderful addition amongst broad-leafed, shade plants.
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Hosta, Plantain Lily Assorted (Hosta Hybrid)
Hosta are the go-to plant for many gardeners dealing with shade. They do well with morning sun in Northern zones, especially gold-leaved varieties, but are best in all day shade in areas such as the southern U.S. With thousands of named varieties available, more than one can be found…
