Shade Gardening in the Northwest

Living in the northwest, we have one big advantage –- and that is shade gardening! Because our summers are temperate and mild, we can grow shade-loving plants in areas that are shaded, partially shaded or receive dappled sunlight. There is something so beautiful and peaceful about a shade garden –- it satisfies a gentle longing for all things lovely. The tenderness of shade-loving plants softens the landscape and has a quiet aura. 

I used to think of the shady parts of my yard as liabilities, the uninhabitable areas that would limit me to ferns and moss.  I didn’t think flowers could be grown and pretty much avoided the shade (as I am a heat seeking person!).  I couldn’t have been more mistaken!  I have since learned to embrace the shade realizing that it is bursting with possibilities.  Perhaps a little more slow to awaken into spring, the shade-loving plants are so lackadaisical, slowly stretching their stems, fronds and leaves to welcome warmer days.  We haven’t had a very warm summer yet this year and my sun-loving plants aren’t very happy about this, but…my shade lovers are pleased!

There are so many magnificent specimens of hydrangea’s, it is difficult to decide on a variety. They prosper in many areas of my garden with varying degrees of sunlight. One of the newer varieties, Buttons & Bows is a deep mauve edged in white –- so pretty.

Astilbes, with their glossy fernlike foliage and delicate feathery plume flowers thrive in shade and moist soils and look spectacular combined with bold leaved Hostas. 

Begonias are one of the most popular shade-loving flowers –- for good reason. There are so many colors to choose from and they do well in the ground and planters. They always look so healthy with their rich, leathery leaves. The non-stop begonia’s are aptly named as they really do bloom all summer and well into the fall. 

Impatiens are valued for their variety and vibrancy of color. I love to plant these sweet flowers in mass amounts for extra "bang." The "Super-Elfin" series never let me down. They bloom with profusion and don’t seem to mind morning, or late afternoon sun.  They also do great in the ground or baskets.

I admit that I am somewhat confused by coleus because I’ve always heard that this is a difficult plant to grow and that it has a propensity towards wilting and fading. Maybe the coleus I planted hasn’t heard about this as they are all doing really well –- so far.

If you’ve been avoiding shade gardening, it is my hope that this may give you hope, inspiration and the gentle push to experiment. Our climate may not be a hot one, but the possibilities really are endless. Happy gardening!

“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”  ~Greek proverb