I'd like to make it at least cohesive because we don't want the property value to go down in case we need to move. I also would rather just throw in seeds than plant individual plants because it's such a big area but I'm open for other suggestions.
I would like to know what kind of flower seeds can I actually throw around and still thrive in shade, and what kind of pathways would be the most economical and low maintenance? I'm not sure free woodchips would be great for pathways since it's sloped and if we get a lot of rain, it will just get washed out but I probably use for for the plant areas.
Anyway, I don't even know where to start so I'm just here looking for suggestions and what to look out for when making shade gardens. Also, we have a good amount of deer population around if it matters.
Thank you in advance!
by Avocad0nut
39 Comments
What zone are you in? Bulbs would look lovely here. Look into snow drops. They are one of the first to flower, so dainty, but don’t mind pretty shady spots or dappled lighting.
Why not lean into the enchanted fairy forest thing you already have going on? There’s lots of lovely native ferns, grasses and ephemerals, as well as perennial flowers that do well in bright shade.
Sometimes we spend too much time & energy striving for a specific vision rather than embracing the conditions we already have.
Look into native plants that like shade. Sedges are really good too, not just flowers.
If you want to do seeds, you’ll need to prep the space first, so it’s not “just toss some seeds” zero work and maintenance either.
Join us at r/NativePlantGardening!
I’d go for a woodland garden instead of prairie. There are so many woodland flowers, ferns, sedges, etc you could work with.
I think this looks gorgeous. You just need to create some paths, add some flowers throughout as well as some dedicated beds. I’d start by designing a layout for the paths and then start adding elements from there. Also, obviously, as others have said – simply look up what seeds are native and shade friendly for your area.
Create soft landings, use plants native to your area!
https://www.izelplants.com/soft-landings/
This is my dream for my yard 😍
I think they’re a Lonely Island about this scenario…is not safe for work…
Go to Prairie Moon’s website. You have dappled shade there. You can drill down your search by selecting your state, wetness, and sun level. You’re sure to find something that interests you.
Take a drive around your town and see what is growing in other yards. These are the most likely plants to thrive. If no one is growing your favorites, there are likely good reasons. What grows in local forests?
I think hydrangeas would look beautiful there!
I like the other commenters’ ideas, but this woodland garden definitely needs a few garden gnomes too. Can’t have fairies without gnomes.
Without giving away too much detail, can I ask the general area or region or city? I see shade and I think rhodendrons but it all depends on where you are.
Leave the sedges. It looks awesome and is beneficial.
4 o clock’s are beautiful and bright and love the shade. They come back year after year because their roots form tubers. They’re a tropical plant so idk how well they do in colder areas. What hardiness zone are you in?
There are two options I see:
Like many have already said – lean into the forest setting. Ferns, sedges, moss, understory trees, and woodland flowers can be stunning in this setting. It already looks gorgeous to be honest.
Make it more of a savannah setting. Thin out the tree cover by cutting smaller trees to open up the canopy and let in more light. There are many prairie-like species that work well in a savannah or woodland edge setting. Make sure you pay attention to how the sun hits to try and create as much morning sun / afternoon shade space as possible. This could be combined with the woodland option by just opening up an edge for this and leaving the rest woodland.
Don’t underestimate the humble fern to add into that mix. A lot of ferns love shade, so if there’s ferns native to your area they can add some fun.
Azaleas.
I love the Eco Seed no maintenance grass seed. It’s evergreen and no mow.
Your yard is amazing. I wouldn’t touch it, but there’s things to do like shade if you’re in the east or the south ,
lilies of the valley comes to mind bluebells some tulips in the sunny parts. I go to your local nursery and talk to them about it, they can help you out.
Maybe google Hallerbos for some inspiration.
You could look online for shade pollinators local to your area, but local woodland shade growers overall may be your best bet.
That said, hydrangeas can be pretty versatile, so you could try some of the more shade tolerant varieties.
What a lovely yard. All I can say is, Start liking part shade plants? Do you have deer pressure here?
So many spring ephemerals grow in woodland areas. You’d havr to look into the earliest bloomers in your area.
So…you have a mini park on your property?
What is your prairie vision? I ask because that’s what I have to work with in the near future, but your setup is actually closer to my personal ideal (more of a woodland fairy vibe)
Yer not gonna get a full sun flower garden in a shaded forest. If you cut down the forest you are evil.
Maybe you can plant ferns?
You do not have a blank canvas—you have an amazing woodland. If those are native trees such as oaks they have far more ecological value than just about anything you could plant there.
Please avoid invasive shade plants such as vinca and exotic pachysandra. They really are awful and will get away from you.
Bluebells grow well in shade. Rhododendrons and mountain laurel could be nice larger bushes.
When you say you just want to throw seeds… I just want you to know that grass you’re mowing is growing to grow also. If all the grass is not something you’re interested in you might need to be more hands on
There are so many flowering shade plants.
What’s your USDA zone and climate type?
People spend years and small fortunes to have exactly what you have now. It looks amazing and welcoming and like you could actually use it during the summer.
Plus, this must be one hell of a diverse ecosystem you have going on there. You really going to FernGully all of that?
Beautiful 😻
Ferns, hasta, coleus. There are tons of varieties. It could be stunning.
If you’re in an area where they’re native, blueberries!!! A mix of high bush and low bush could work really well, they love the light shade/woodland areas, plus you get flowers and delicious fruit!
I was just looking at companion plants for Olive trees and it recommended many herbs.
Check out companion plants for your trees. Some are seed based! Attract pollinators, beneficial insects and enrich the soil.
As some already have said, ferns. And I’m a big fan of potted arrangements scattered about. When you move you can take them with you or leave for the next owner. If you stay you can rearrange them and try different things each year. It might be more work than you want but very satisfying.
What you have there is a park, lucky you!