My favorite shade plants: flowering, easy-care perennials.
Before I had a blog, I had a garden.
I used to do things like go to Master Gardener lectures.
About plant pathology.
And conifer identification.
And intro to entomology.
For fun!! (But also because I paid absolutely no attention in eighth-grade science.)
So this is a departure from anything house-renovation related, but the shade garden is just coming into bloom, and I really can’t pass up the opportunity to impress you with my horticultural photography.
Here are my favorite shade-garden perennials! (don’t miss my favorite sun-loving flower for cutting.)
Hellebores is by far my favorite shade plant… it loves deep shade, and has thick, dark, evergreen leaves… It’s the earliest-blooming plant in my garden, AND it flowers for nearly two months.
The rest are the usual shade-dwelling suspects, but you can’t beat them for reliability, AND their willingness to be divided!
They love shade, are incredibly hardy, come back year after year, AND are totally maintenance free!!
- Hellebores
- Solomon’s seal
- Wood poppy
- Liriope
- Hosta
- Fern
- Pachysandra
- Bleeding heart
All perennial… They are the easiest plants you can grow! Ignore them! They’ll love you!
Click any photo to open shade garden slideshow.
Wait? What?
What’s that you say? DEER?
The destroyers of all that is green and tasty? The eaters of hosta and lilies and rhododendron and ANYTHING ELSE?
Oh, THOSE deer.
Allow me to MAKE YOUR SPRING and recommend Deer Stopper.
I went to a garden lecture last year, by the horticulture guru at Mt.Cuba … a native-plant conservation-center…where they too have DEER. Eating all their tasty native plants.
And the guy who is in charge of the woodland plants said that he has tried EVERYTHING. And this ACTUALLY WORKS. And smells GOOD. Which, is almost too good to be true.
My mom ordered some, because she has the hungriest deer EVER… so I’ll update you with her verdict… but just reading the Amazon reviews is heartening.
Anyway… now for the good stuff.
All gardeners have a favorite tool… mine was beyond old… literally, it was Paul’s grandfather’s and it was the BEST.
It was weirdly skinny, which you wouldn’t think you’d want in a hand shovel, but it totally converted me. If you’re using a bulky trowel? You’re missing out on a truly superior gardening experience.
Then it broke in half, while I was death-matching my neighbor’s wisteria that sprouts in my flowerbeds all summer.
So I went looking for a replacement…
And? If you’ve ever wondered what $50 worth of garden trowel looks like? This is it.
If shiny is NOT what you look for in YOUR garden tools? Well then, you are missing out…
Since I was there… and got sucked in… and lack impulse control… I also bought the Sneeboer transplanting trowel.
When they came, Paul opened the box… he picked them up, and said—wow! These are nice!
Then he looked at the invoice and said— YOU SPENT $100 on shovels?
And I was like—oooooh… SO PRETTY…
Also? Seriously? They have added-value, because they double as weapons.
If anyone attacks me while I’m gardening? They will be SURPRISED.
I have to say that I didn’t actually need the bigger trowel, because I use the narrow one for EVERYTHING. Digging, weeding, splitting, cutting roots… it is literally the ONLY tool I use.
I’m fairly sure that if I needed to, I could use it to chop down a tree.
It’s THAT good.
So I emailed Garden Tool Company, and asked them if they would give one to my readers…
And because they are awesome, they said yes!!
(Don’t worry, I’m also emailing Neiman Marcus.)
(And Paris. Incase the Parisians are tired of it.)
April 23, 2013 @ 10:30 am
Oooooh…so shiny. That does look like a pretty awesome tool, and a major upgrade from my Home Depot trowel. I might have to add it to my Mother’s Day list if I don’t win.
And I think Hellebores fall into my top 5 favorite perennials. I love them sooo very much! Have you checked out Carolyn Shade Garden? She has a really interesting blog and also sells her plants periodically (conviently right on the Main Line). I have bought some interesting hellebores from her in the past.
I think your Mom and my Mom could fight it out for the hungriest deer. Fortunately they haven’t invaded our yard (although they have been spotted a few blocks away). Instead I have cute bunny rabbits munching away.
http://carolynsshadegardens.com/
April 24, 2013 @ 3:22 pm
I didn’t realize she (Carolyn) was local… I guess I’ve seen her site before, but had no idea she was nearby.
This deer stuff is really supposed to work, plus is non-toxic… maybe your mom wants it for mother’s day? Nothing says I love you— like a gallon of large-animal repellant.
We had groundhogs two years ago… I nearly lost my mind. No kidding.
April 23, 2013 @ 10:41 am
Ah, aren’t you awesome? 🙂
I have a black thumb. Seriously. I kill everything. I think I even kill artificial topiaries. I want to, though, commend your knowledge and enthusiasm.
Are you cloned? I mean – you’re just fabulous and I STILL think you need your own show.
April 24, 2013 @ 3:18 pm
Laughing… that’s a singular talent, killing faux topiaries. I have to say that I’d really rather read a book than garden… it’s just that I forget that until I get started, and then it’s too late.
April 23, 2013 @ 10:52 am
Well timed. Although, I guess it’s spring, so duh. Anyhow, the house we just bought was previously owned by some serious gardeners, and I am thoroughly enjoying watching everything pop up this spring. In the month since we closed, we’ve seen camellias out the ying yang, forsythia, silver dollars, iris, tulips, daffodils, lilies of the valley, jasmine, tulip trees, cherry, apricot and fig. And I just moved from the desert and have to figure out how to take care of all of this gorgeousness. My master gardener mother is planning a trip, thank goodness. Anyhow, my point is: thanks for pointing out your favorite tools. I don’t use the social media stuff, so I’m not eligible to win (boo! hiss!) but I appreciate the source! Happy spring!
April 24, 2013 @ 3:16 pm
You’re lucky to inherit a well-planned garden!!! A really nice garden takes so much time to fill in, that I’m pretty sure we’ll be moving by the time ours is situated.
I AM sorry about the social media thing. I personally feel it has eaten my life (well, plus this blog). It IS nice to keep up with my best-friend, but also, just a lot of noise…
Happy Spring!
April 23, 2013 @ 10:54 am
I have never been a gardener, but so many women I know love it! : )
What a nice giveaway. You are hilarious. I am pretty sure a car will be next!
April 24, 2013 @ 3:12 pm
I’m thinking vintage Jaguar would be a nice giveaway… thanks for the visit!!!
April 23, 2013 @ 11:28 am
i just love good gardening tools! i have found one that i really really like and it is the” Hori Hori Knife Weeder” mine is not the one from the Gardening tool company, might just have to go and get me one.
thanks for the chance to win the tool!!
April 24, 2013 @ 3:11 pm
I see that on lots of must-have tools lists!! And I don’t have one! I’m still pulling weeds out of tiny spaces with my fingers and cursing…
April 23, 2013 @ 12:07 pm
Must….get….me…some…hellebores. I have been meaning too for some time, but never have. I love plants that have evergreen leaves. It always makes me so sad when everything dies for the winter. Naked gardens look so sad. And deep shade perfectly describes the North side of my house. No rays of light penetrate at all. Now please excuse me, I am off to attempt to win a trowel from some nice lady.
April 24, 2013 @ 3:09 pm
The hellebores are great too, because they are PROLIFIC self-seeders… you’ll see tiny little seedlings sprouting up all over after a year or two!
They take forever to get big, but it’s still satisfying to see so many pop up!
April 23, 2013 @ 12:17 pm
OH MY GAWD. I need this. I confess I have been buying dollar store trowels ever since I lost the Smith & Hawken trowel I nicked from my mom’s house. (Sorry mom.) I have now broken two dollar store trowels in the canna lillies of death in my front yard. I have given up and accepted that there will be a bunch of them peaking up behind my azaleas this year – maybe in two years the azaleas will be big enough to kill them. A girl can dream.
April 24, 2013 @ 3:07 pm
YES! I actually chipped a cheap trowel before buying this one… I was like, how is that even possible? I am not excavating granite…
April 23, 2013 @ 12:45 pm
I so need better garden tools. Well, I need to take better care of my garden tools. Maybe if I get shiny tools, I’ll be guilted into taking care of them.
I really need a trowel that won’t bend every time I use it! It’s getting annoying. Also, why is it so much harder to bend it back than it was to bend it! not fair world!
I’ve got lots of gardening to do. My winter-sown lupines are getting big and need to be transplanted. The veggies need to be set out. I’ve got a couple more arborvitaes to plant and I need a knock-out rose ASAP! I can’t wait until it’s time to plant the zinnias. I’ve got plans to plant hundreds of them!
Question for you gardener, Do you have a favorite shade-loving vine? I’ve got an ugly shed to cover.
April 24, 2013 @ 3:06 pm
Ah! The bendable trowel… WHY do they even make those?
Climbing hydrangea should grow well in shade… although will not bloom as heavily without sun. Some clematis is supposed to do well in part-shade, although I personally haven’t seen it, and am kind of skeptical.
Whatever you do, avoid ivy… it’s fast growing, but evil and invasive… and I see it recommended ALL the time, along with Virginia creeper—another totally invasive plant.
April 23, 2013 @ 12:54 pm
So, could you pleeeaase use your plant geniusness to identify some plants that are ALL OVER my yard? I’m sure it’s a common northeastern weed-type thing disguised as a flower but I spent a large part of the weekend digging up its massive root clusters so I could put some shrubs and flower beds in. It comes out of the ground looking like a blackish-purple leafed tulip sprouting. Or, something’s claws digging out of a grave. That’s how I feel about them.
I think you should do a whole Q &A on your blog (or live? google? skype? dunno) answering everyone’s gardening questions. You sound way more fun than a gardening lecture.
April 24, 2013 @ 2:55 pm
Your weed sounds… terrifying. It also sounds giant, and like it might eat you… although that’s probably not the case.
Do any of these look familiar?
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/weeds/thumbnail.asp
April 24, 2013 @ 3:18 pm
Ha! I was about to reply to my own comment and, in embarrassment, say that our structural engineer today identified them all as Hosta. I apologize for calling it a monstrous weed but it must be very well established because its in large plots around the yard and it really is coming up blackish purple before turning green. After doing some research though, I think I could divide and sell these things and pay for the new porch we need…or for gardening classes.
April 24, 2013 @ 3:25 pm
I pretty much fell over laughing… they DO look frightening coming up, with their weirdly pointy tips… and the roots ARE giant, especially if they’re old!!
The good part is you have a mini goldmine. Or, a very small piece of gold?
Be sure you keep some for yourself… I used to hate hosta. I thought they were incredibly stupid. But now I LOVE them for their total lack of attention-needing.
April 23, 2013 @ 12:56 pm
Victoria,
You have a knack for finding fabulous, shiny things. This really does look like a great trowel. I’m going to visit the site where you bought it. I could use a new cultivator. I’m with SJPBF, I sorely miss Smith & Hawken. I will be on the search for Hellebores to plant in my shade garden. I have never planted them, and without deer, I should be in heaven for months with the beautiful blooms they display. Now if I could grow Peony I’d be so happy.
Karen
April 24, 2013 @ 2:44 pm
As you WELL know, I’d be thrilled to live somewhere it didn’t get cold enough for peonies!!! I think you’d really like the hellebores, too!
April 23, 2013 @ 2:41 pm
Uhm, does it come with the fairy sparkles? If so, I’m totally in.
April 24, 2013 @ 2:43 pm
Ha! I guess I needed a disclaimer… sparkles not included.
April 23, 2013 @ 2:51 pm
Hooray, I entered all the links. Would love to win. We have a lot of pachysandra that we adore. Just a sprinkle of Miracle Gro Weed and Feed to keep the weeds away and we are set for the season.
April 24, 2013 @ 2:43 pm
Speaking of pachysandra… I got a huge carload off of craigslist… no joke. We drove far for it, and had to dig it, but was so worth it… greatest groundcover!!
April 23, 2013 @ 2:52 pm
Love the recommendations on the garden trowel and the plants. I’m going to have to try out the Hellebores. Any suggestions for Boxers that like to dig out your plants and play “keep-a-way” with them?
April 24, 2013 @ 2:41 pm
Laughing… I have enough trouble with my neighbor’s dog… if I figure it out, I’ll let you know.
April 23, 2013 @ 3:29 pm
My daughter is a blooming avid gardener and loves going to Grandma’s house and doing her dirty work for/with her. I’d love to win this for my two favorite girls! Thanks!
April 24, 2013 @ 2:40 pm
So sweet!! Smart of Grandma to train weeding-helpers early!!
April 23, 2013 @ 5:21 pm
Oh you know I love me some gardening! Does it come with the magic fairy dust? I will only collect if I can get the fairy dust too. 😉
April 24, 2013 @ 2:37 pm
Well… imaginary fairy dust is good, right?
April 23, 2013 @ 6:43 pm
That looks like such a beautiful piece of gardening equipment!
April 24, 2013 @ 2:36 pm
Thanks for the visit!!
April 23, 2013 @ 11:45 pm
I love shiny! Shiny tools, shiny cars, shiny bling… and love your flowers! Obviously I need a shiny tool to plant some lovelies of my own! I adore your blog (u know that!) and great giveaways help too! Now if you could only send me a buff gardener I could gaze at while he works in my gardens and gets rid of all the old garbage in them! So much nicer than doing it myself!
April 24, 2013 @ 2:36 pm
LOL!! If I get a buff gardener (or any other kind) I won’t be giving him away!!!
April 25, 2013 @ 7:56 am
Maybe you could share him? Send him over for a playdate? lol Ah well, wishful thinking!
April 25, 2013 @ 1:19 pm
LOL… sure, have to play nice with other bloggers, right?
April 24, 2013 @ 12:59 am
Wow–maybe THIS is the tool that will finally help me win the war on weeds! (I can dream …) At the very least it should wither the weeds with its shine!
April 24, 2013 @ 2:35 pm
If nothing else, you will feel more glamourous while weeding…
April 24, 2013 @ 6:07 am
I think $100 on tools that will last forever is a sound investment. Although, I imagine it was a little sad using them the first time when they are so shiny. Almost like taking new joggers on their first run. 🙂
April 24, 2013 @ 2:34 pm
Exactly!! I kind of wanted to just put them in the china cabinet.
April 24, 2013 @ 8:47 am
My parent’s have a problem with deer in their garden (installing new fences this week) as they live out in the Dorset country side. So when you recommended the Deer Stopper I checked it out on Amazon to see what it was. Then checked it out on Amazon UK, where it doesn’t exist.
Their best alternative? A deer shaped bottle stopper. Hmph.
April 24, 2013 @ 2:33 pm
I guess they figured if you can’t beat the deer… you’re going to need a drink?