I have had this 100 sqft area of scrub plants near the gate to the backyard ever since I moved in. While the previous owners must have had a plan in the beginning, as evidenced by a rose bush and plantain lilies, it has since become totally overrun. Earlier this spring, I made a half-hearted attempt to pretty it up. I tilled up all the scrub grass in front of the area to contour the bed and try to build some soil. I then planted a bunch of wildflower, crimson clover, and buckwheat as cover crop.
Now, the ground under all the grassy areas on my property is compacted clay, so in order to plant anything, you have to break it up and add a ton of compost to activate the soil. In this case, I didn’t add any compost because I was trying to save money, and I ultimately paid the price. While a few cosmos sprouted from the wildflower mix, the bulk of the seeds just moldered in the compacted soil.
I also planted a few yellow hostas and transplanted several liriope, which are scattered all over my property. My goal was to create a contour around the clump of plantain lilies and roses to make it look more intentional. It worked for a few weeks, but eventually, a ton of copperleaf and a pesky vine I can't seem to eradicate began taking over, outcompeting the hostas. Despite weeding all summer, I never managed to get ahead.
That’s when I decided to finally take care of this DIY shade garden makeover once and for all. I brought in about 17 cubic yards of topsoil, gathered plants from all over my property, and designed a more intentional shade garden bed around the central clump of roses and lilies. At this point, separating them is near impossible, so I’ve decided to let them co-exist and design the bed around their dominance.
The final plant count for this bed was:
Hydrangea (2)
Monkey Grass (6)
Yellow Hostas (3)
Hairy Woodrush (6)
Crevice Alumroot (3)
Spotted Dead Nettle (3)
The best part? The total cost was just $25 for the topsoil, as all the plants were transplants from other parts of the yard. I’m particularly proud of using a volunteer species, Hairy Woodrush, to my advantage. Though technically a weed, its color and clumped growth created a nice counterpoint to the yellow hostas. Whether that choice was a mistake remains to be seen!
I also found a new home for two hydrangea bushes that were struggling in less-than-ideal locations. I’m hopeful that, with just a bit of afternoon sunlight, they’ll thrive in this bed.
Why Embrace Shade Gardens?
Shade gardens offer a unique opportunity to work with nature, utilizing areas often neglected in the landscape. They can turn underutilized shady corners into lush, green spaces that attract wildlife, provide a cooling effect, and add texture and depth to your garden design. Plants like hostas, ferns, and alumroot thrive in these environments, offering rich foliage and seasonal interest without requiring excessive sunlight or attention.
Additionally, shade gardens encourage a more sustainable gardening approach by requiring less water and fewer resources compared to full-sun flower beds. With the right plant choices and design, these spaces can evolve into low-maintenance, biodiverse havens for pollinators and other beneficial species. And just like in my experience, you don’t need to break the bank. By reusing plants you already have and being creative with native and volunteer species, you can create something beautiful and functional, even on a budget.
The best part about creating a shade garden is watching it evolve season by season, becoming more settled and natural with each passing year. So, don’t shy away from those shady spots in your yard—they might just hold the potential for your next favorite garden feature.
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