Shaded Gardens

Every garden needs some shaded areas. Shade is both physically and psychologically cool and refreshing, particularly on a hot day. When we have shade in a garden, it is often seen as a negative – plants are harder to grow, lawn and drainage problems arise, and the garden can be less appealing for outdoor use. Funny thing though: when we don’t have it, we plant trees to get more shade, or we erect shade wings, gazebos or pergolas for shade.

What is different about a shaded garden?

There is less light for plants
Temperature variations are not as extreme as in the sunshine
Ventilation may be reduced
Moisture does not evaporate as quickly
People are better protected from UV light
There may be more chance of slipping/tripping on moist ground
Slime/moss can form on steps and paths
In heavy shade, visibility is reduced, particularly where you enter shade and your eyes have not acclimatised

Plants for Shady Places

The following plants are ideal for growing in a shady garden:

Growing Plants in Dry Shade

Not all shade is moist. The ground surface under tree canopies, beneath eaves or between narrow walkways can be shaded but receive very little rain. If you have a problem growing plants in dry shade, try these options:

choose suitable species, eg. Clivia
provide extra water, preferably using a drip irrigation system
use paving or mulch under heavy tree canopies instead of grass

Trees to Create Shade

In temperate climates, you can’t beat deciduous trees. They provide shade from summer sun, then lose their leaves and let the light in over winter.

In tropical climates, there aren’t so many deciduous trees, but the light is so much stronger in winter; so it doesn’t matter to have leaf cover all year round.

Creating Shady Nooks

A shaded nook is a very appealing place to retreat on a hot day. If you live in a hot climate, an area of dense shade is a great place for cooling off. In temperate areas, deciduous trees that filter the sun in summer and let the sun through the branches in winter make an enticing retreat.

How to create a shady nook with plants:

Plant a tree with a spreading canopy. It doesn’t have to be a tall tree but the canopy must be broad enough to shade an area for sitting under in the hottest part of the day.
Plant a clump of trees, preferably using the same species. You don’t need a large country garden to grow a clump of shady trees. For a small garden, use Silver Birches (Betula pendula), Crabapples (Malus ioensis) or Japanese Maples (Acer japonica) to give a dappled woodland effect. In tropical areas, plant palms in groves for year-round shade.
Plant a clump or screen of dense shrubs – these are good for privacy as well as shade.

Creating a Fernery

Ferns can be grown outdoors in almost any moist, shady spot that is protected from wind and hot sun. If you don’t have a suitable area, you can create a fernery simply by building a structure covered in shade cloth or wooden slats to block out the sun.

For a large fernery, include tree ferns to provide a canopy for lower growing ferns. In a small fernery, include benches to display ferns and other shade-loving plants in pots at eye level. Ferns can also be grown in hanging pots suspended from the beams overhead.

Entertaining In a Shade Garden

A shade garden provides a ready-made place for entertaining or relaxing. All you need to do is add a few chairs and maybe a table.

Plants for Shady Places

More from ACS

Landscaping and Gardening in Shade

Identifying Plants (Horticulture II)

Garden Styles

What to Plant Where