Simple landscaping ideas for small area of dirt near my garage?

Is it shaded? Do people walk on that area?

Yes & yes

Hello Jane,

How about a small path and care free plants?

I’m in zone seven — heres some of my favorite perennial shady site choices.

Coral bells, astilbe, pulmonaria are some of my favorites. Be sure to check with your cooperative extension local master gardeners are there waiting to give you advice, they also may have local plant sales, My local MG office of the coop extension has plant sales twice a year. Acquiring plans directly from a local garden is easy way to acclimate to plants vs an imported greenhouse varity from a big box retail store.

Your selections for your situation would depend on your planting zone and lighting situation, colors and textures that you like. Do you have deer and rabbits? In my case coleus will not overwinter and is considered an annual.

Again —that great resource is your local Cooperative extension. These offices are manned by a wonderful team of master gardeners that know your local situation quite well. They can be contacted by personal visit, phone call or Internet. Consider googling up your local extensions office. They are there waiting to lend their expert advice. Volunteering back hours and community outreach and education is part of maintaining the Master Gardener accreditation. Consider helping out the MG by allowing the MG to help you. There's also email ( submit a photo) Q&A resources that have helped me many times.

Heres a link for your consideration.

Hope this helps- Happy gardening!

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/landscaping/gardening-in-shade/

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/landscaping/gardening-in-shade/

Irish moss is beautiful and step-able,meaning you can walk on it and it will continue to grow leaving a beautiful, cushiony green walkway. It grows in shade and sun.'Just depends on what you need. I strongly recommend tilling the dirt and adding healthy soil before planting. Here's a link with more information and where to purchase and where it will grow best. Perhaps your state will be in the right zone.https://www.greatgardenplants.com/product/perennials-shade-plants-groundcovers-for-shade-irish-moss-sagina-subulata/shade-goundcover-deer-proof

Depends upon your zone, soil and sun exposure. Ground covers are easy maintenance and some have flowers. Check on line for zone by zip code and take note of how much sunshine you get in that area. Perennials, once established will return every year with just some weeding.