Gardening under trees in heavily shaded areas can be a challenge. Although we love the cool canopy provided by trees, trying to grow our favourite plants, or even grass, under these trees is difficult. Many of us find that nothing will thrive and we are left with large patches of dirt. Knowledge of what will grow under these conditions can prevent frustration, and wasting of time and money on plants that die due to lack of light and water. Most gardens have varying degrees of shade and it is important to know what type of shade you have in your garden. Anyone who likes to garden knows that light plays a huge role in whether or not your flowering plants bloom. One year you may have a rose that produces beautiful blooms, and the next year the tress have grown large enough that the rose is in the shade and no longer flowers. Study your shady areas at different times of the day, in the spring and summer seasons, to assess how much light these areas are receiving. Areas that receive light in the spring before the trees are in full leaf, for example, can be fine for spring flowering plants, but not for plants that require full sun in the summer to bloom. Light shade is qualified as 4-6 hours of sun each day. Many flowering plants will do very well in light shade, even plants that require full sun. Certain shade plants will also thrive, but must be watered well during very hot and dry periods. Medium shade areas receive less than 4 hours of sun during the day and are not heavily shaded by trees so they receive some bright light. These are areas where plants that are considered shade plants grow well. But if the area does get some sun, be careful with plants like ferns because the heat of the summer sun can burn them. Full shade areas under trees are the most challenging for gardeners. Gardeners are not only challenged by lack of light, but also dryness and lack of nutrients in the soil due to tree roots. Plants that you find growing on the forest floor, like ferns and certain wildflowers, can grow well in these areas, but the soil must be amended with compost and organic fertilizers, and the plants watered well during the heat and dryness of the summer. Hostas are normally very good shade plants, but under large trees can struggle. Close attention must be paid to fertilizing, mulching and watering, especially for newly planted varieties. If you find you are having little success in these areas, it is best to use planters containing shade plants in order to combat the harsh conditions. Also decorative items like statues, benches and birdbaths are a good idea. The key to successful gardening is to know your garden and plant accordingly. There are many good resources available for gardeners that will provide information on what plants thrive in shady conditions. Canadian magazines can tell you what plants are appropriate for your geographic region. Women magazines will seasonally provide information on garden design and new plants that you many like to try in your garden.
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