Cool Shade

By Moya Andrews

Published September 9, 2019 at 7:25 PM EDT

Fall is a good time to think about creating new gardens.

Just remember to get plants into the ground at least six weeks before the ground freezes so they can get their roots established.

If you are planning a shade garden remember that there are different categories of shade:

Full shade describes an area under trees with thick canopies or structures where no sunshine ever penetrates.

Open shade is used to describe, for example, areas located on the north side of a house or garage, where the plants are in the shadow of a structure that completely blocks the sun on one side but where there is light on other sides.

Dappled shade describes areas that get sunlight intermittently filtered through the leaves of limbed-up, deciduous trees, for example.

Partial shade is used to describe areas that get less than half a day of direct sunlight.

In a hot climate one can plant many different species in partial shade, especially if the shade occurs in the afternoon. The plants benefit from the sunlight in the morning but get protection from intense afternoon heat.

Roses and other shrubs and perennials that need strong light to bloom well, need at least 6 hours of direct sunshine.

Site each plant in a spot that fits the requirements stated on its tag, as the correct location is crucial to long-term success.