Got Shade?

Whether it's urban, suburban, or rural, nearly every property has some shade, if only on the north side of the house. Countless more are "blessed" with giaint trees planted decades ago that screen out the sunlight. Under such conditions, you may think it is impossible to have an interesting garden without a lot of work. Not so, if you are willing to learn about the plethora of easygoing horticultural gems that do NOT require full sun. Shade gardening has been given a bum rap. Most gardeners think only of impatiens and hostas for their shady areas. This is partly the fault of many nurseries, which sell the same dull plant material year after year ad nauseum. Contrary to these tired notions, shade gardening can get pretty exciting, yet at the same time not be too larbor-intensive, if you incorporate some lesser known plants into your landscape. This is not to say you shouldn't plant some old standbys. But a judicious mixture of the common with the unusual can give the busy, tired, or lazy gardener a very special and unique place to retreat to and enjoy. Harstad's organization takes account of the fact that an interesting shade garden is well balanced, with different types of plantings. First come two chapters on designing the low-maintenance garden, then chapters on small trees, shrubs, dwarf conifers, vines, ground covers, ferns, grasses, perennials, woodland wildflowers, spring bulbs, and annuals (yes, there are annuals that enjoy shade!). She discusses hundreds of shade-tolerant plants hardy in Zones 4-8, suggests how they may be used and combined, and recommends methods to cut garden maintenance-a universal concern in the fast-paced world. With its informative text, accurate drawings, and colorful photographs, it is a "must have" for gardeners across much of North America.