Shade Lovers
by
Lynne Webb
+8
I just bought step daughter the most gorgeous porcelain yellow and white stand with a companion bowl atop. The stand alone is birdbath height. Her grey, tri-level house is situated in a forested area and she has given up on flowers. She's not a fussy gardener though she longs for something to perk up the front of her house. She has a nice size stoop tucked in a corner where the front door is. That's where I envision this stand and bowl. Aside from ferns what could be planted in that bowl to bring some life to that area? My first thought is to buy a potted fern and enjoy it for spring, summer and much of fall then toss it. I have bought her some pretty expensive ferns in the past and I think slugs must kill them when planted in the ground. And she has an ideal place for them tucked at the base of trees but , oh well. We live in zone 7. Aside from the fern any more ideas? My thought is seasonal statuary or weather proof blings maybe a faux 18" Christmas tree? from Thanksgiving til Christmas? Any more thoughts for real stuff? She works a lot and doesn't have that much company. It's just that I want her to have something happy to greet her when she comes home.
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https://www.thespruce.com/shade-garden-plants-for-zones-4-8-4125600
why do you have to put ANYTHING like this in the front yard? I detest junky stuff in a front yard.
There are many Flowers that like Shady conditions. and some Acers too. Go down to the nearest garden centre to your daughters home and I am sure they will be able to help with your needs...........
Instead of ferns, how about coleus or caladiums? They have beautiful color and should do well. For fall, how about a potted mum surrounded by real or faux pumpkins? For the holiday season your idea of a faux christmas tree, maybe add some battery powered fairy lights on a timer. After the holidays, take the lights off and add some pretty birds. That will be good till spring. Maybe add a garland of hearts for Valentines day and switch out for a garland of shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day. Then by Easter go back to some mums again inlavender maybe? Then back to coleus and caladiums. My girlfriend lives in 7a and that is what she does and is relatively low maintenance and also looks inviting. I would also make or purchase a basic wreath and decorate for each season or holiday to have it look festive at all times with minimal effort.
Exotic angel plants that only tolerate low light would work for summer, but an artificial Christmas tree would be gorgeous. You could decorate it with battery operated lights or pumpkins during the fall season. You can paint them any color and use some fall leaves with it.
I'm assuming the bowl is sort of shallow so why doesn't she plant colorful succulents creating a pleasing effect. They should last until it begins to get cold and then should not be hard to remove and bring inside until the weather turns warmer again.
Try shade plants such as hostas, coral bells, ferns as you mentioned and hydrangeas. These are a few that grow in the shade. I have the same problem and these are some of the ones I use for shade.