Gardening in the shade creates an image of an area enclosed, for privacy, probably with high walls - doing absolutely nothing. Some plants too, enjoy shade. As long as there is 6 inches of soil shade loving perennials. Shade plants however, will grow in sand and humus alone, as long as their is plenty of fertiliser.

Under trees ensure new soil is laid about 4" deep and enjoy ground cover such as Periwinkle or Ferns.

As a first time gardener, or you've inherited your garden along with your house, then you will probably not have noticed that your garden has a shaded area. Believe me it will have a shaded space somewhere, even if it is in the very corner of your garden. That's why you will need information on shade gardening this year.

If you find the shade in your garden is due to a tree or trees, even if it is your neighbour's tree, you will find that the soil will be dry and full of roots. Planting may be difficult and you may have to improve the soil slightly before anything will grow. Be careful when doing this as some trees, like Oak, are very particular, and can be extremely sensitive to changes in soil depth. Also, if you have to till the soil around the roots, you will again need to be very careful as root breakage may occur and the tree might be damaged in the long term. No one ever said shade gardening was going to be easy!

When choosing your plants, you will have to keep in mind the conditions that are likely to be prevalent within your shaded area. Low, dappled sunlight, to perhaps no sun at all, or perhaps sun at only certain times of the day. Limited water in the soil due to an extensive root system, poor air circulation caused by low lying branches, or intrusive walls. These are only some of the conditions you will have to deal with when shade gardening.

Having passed through the more serious parts of shade gardening, we can now move on to the more fun parts. Namely designing, and laying out your garden, and buying your plants!

Since plants that thrive in the shade aren't as vivid and bright as plants that grow in full sunlight, it's best if you lean more towards flowers with pastel shades, as darker colours will only tend to blend into the background.

Foxgloves are a favourite, as are Daisy's, and Begonias. Bluebells and Forget-me-nots are also some true blue Favourites. If you plan your shade gardening carefully, you can have blooming flowers for almost the whole year.

Other plants to consider are groundcovers. Hostas, are traditionally a good groundcover plant, with its big leaves that tend to hug the ground. English ivy, Wintercreepers, and Ajuga are also very good for groundcover. 

Whilst Growth in lighter shade may he quite luxuriant, only by a few rather dull species with dark evergreen leaves often live in the shade. Look for Yews and some Junipers, but the best kept secret is Heartleaf Begonia with coloured flowers and foliage - will be popular choice.