When you're just starting out in gardening, it's a good idea to go slow and keep things simple. For example, if you have shady corners of your yard that you're looking to fill, try creating shade gardens filled with perennials. This beginner garden for shade plan weaves together a handful of low-maintenance, easy-to-grow plants to create a beautiful display that's practically foolproof. Find the complete plant list and illustrated planting plan below.
Plants for the Beginner Shade Garden Plan
A witch hazel shrub serves as a focal point, especially when it begins blooming in late winter before its leaves appear. The cheerful flowers of astilbe and false forget-me-not keep up the floral show in spring, while the striking variegated leaves of hosta and Solomon's seal ensure that the garden looks colorful even when nothing is blooming.
- Witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia): Zones 5-9
- Hosta (Hosta 'Patriot'): Zones 3-9
- False forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla): Zones 4-8
- False spirea (Astilbe chinensis 'Visions'): Zones 4-7
- Solomon's seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'): Zones 3-8
If you aren't able to find the exact varieties of the plants listed above, substitute with others that are similar in color, shape, and size.
Some plants can become overly aggressive and spread out of control in certain climates so before planting something new, always check which species are considered invasive in your area.
Get the Free Beginner Shade Garden Plan
This garden design includes an illustrated version of the planted garden, a detailed layout diagram, a list of plants for the garden as shown, and complete instructions for installing the garden.
