Do the plants in your garden take a long time to grow? Do flower buds fall off or not form at all or do plants with variegated leaves turn all green? If this is so then it is your garden doesn't get enough sun-light. You may not be successful in growing plants which any other regular garden has, but do not despair as there are some plants which thrive only under these conditions. A properly planted garden with low light can actually have a charm of its own. However, you need to take into account the type of soil and the amount dampness which is caused by low light.

Before planting, meticulous preparation should be done on the soil. Humus in the form of peat moss or leaf mild should be incorporated into the soil before planting and during cultivation. They also act as mulch and help conserve moisture and also act as a protective cover during winter.

Some plants ideal for gardens receiving low light are sansevieria, miniature ivies, dracaena, philodendrons, palms and Boston ferns. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths also grow easily, but their ability to bloom reduces with each year. Carpet-bugle (Ajuga) is also suited for damp conditions and makes a pretty picture with shiny bronze foliage. Phlox divaricata combined with a rockery makes a striking feature in the garden. They also make a good border plant. For those with a nose for aromatic plants, including the North American beebalm in an appropriate place is a good idea.

Plants which contribute to the spring color and thrive in deep shade are bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia), squirrel-corn (D. canadensis), and Dutchman's breeches (D. cucullaria). Impatiens is a popular annual which will give you shade all season long.

Ferns are ideally suited for shady areas. Their unique foliage can look pretty in any area. You can try planting the Japanese painted fern which is a showy plant and thrives in part to full shade. You can never go wrong with planting azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. Hostas, which are members of the lily family look very pretty in a garden that it isn't surprising why they are so popular. They are also hardy and not bothered by pests. What's more they get better with age; hosta clumps become larger, the margins on variegated leaves become wider and their color becomes more intense. If you need climbers for a shady area then you can choose from the Boston ivy, Virginia creeper, climbing hydrangea, and five leaf akebia.

So a shade garden which you thought would be a disadvantage can give rise to a unique area of flora. Moreover, lower light levels and use of mulch can inhibit germination of weeds ? and what's more, you get to spend hours outdoors on a hot sunny day.

If you like Gardening....These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory

Also see:

A Love Affair With Gardening, Charming Camillias, Firescaping, Gardening for the Family, Garden Rodents, Garden Catalogs, General Gardening Tips. Gardens in the Shade, Hot Summer Cool Garden, How to Plant Leeks, Involve Your Children, Outfits for Gardening, Photograph Your Garden, Plant Care Basics, Using Leaves as Compost, What to Avoid Buying Guide, Cheap Garden Ideas, Creating Garden Berms, Garden Fragrances, Garden Lessons, Gardening for The Challenged, Gardening is Great, Gardening Math, Gardening Tools, How to Use Peat, More About Gardening, Love affair with Lilacs, Organic Gardening, Slow Down and Enjoy, Smart Plant Shopping, Tips for Beginners