Shade Brighteners

Note: The first thing to consider is the condition of the soil. Shady areas are affected by tree roots that take moisture and nutrients out of the soil. If you've had trouble growing plants in the area, you might want to have the soil tested. (Instructions on soil testing are at the bottom of this article.)

While you're waiting for the results of the soil test, you can plan your garden. Start by sketching the area to get an idea of how many plants you'll need. Nursery catalogs are helpful for getting familiar with different shade-loving varieties. Arboreta and botanical gardens are great places to visit for more ideas.

In a shade garden, choose plants with foliage that's attractive when the plants aren't blooming; aim for a good variation in texture and color. Choose perennials with staggered blooming times for color throughout the seasons. Some good options include:

Early to mid spring blooms:

For added color this year, you can plant impatiens around young perennials, which won't use up their allotted space for a few years. After the first frost, you can remove the dead impatiens. Then plant some spring flowering bulbs like daffodils, scilla, and grape hyacinth to add color for years to come.

By the time you choose and buy your plants, you should also have the results from your soil test, which will give you valuable information about how to fertilize your soil. Too much fertilizer can lead to a spurt of new growth with no flowers or dark spots on the leaves.

Most plants like soil that's slightly acidic. Sphagnum peat moss will slightly reduce the pH and hold nutrients and water in the soil. It is quite dry and has fine particles, so wear a dust mask when working with it.