Dear Gardeners:

I've always been partial to shady gardens. In the heat of summer there's no place I'd rather be than in the cool shade of a beautifully planted garden. Whether weeding or relaxing, the shady garden is an oasis and the most popular spot in the garden.

Take advantage of your shady garden spots by filling them with delightful treasures. The tiny-flowered Toad Lily Mix is a charming surprise at the front of the border. Brighten the dark corners of the shady garden with the delightful colors of our cheerful Caladiums. Their big splashy leaves always inspire comment. In spring the soft plumes of Astilbe shine in gardens that don't receive shade until the leaves of overhead trees unfurl.

Hardy Geraniums, like Patricia, are easy to grow, spread quickly, and bloom with very little effort. They pair perfectly with hardy Ferns to create a low maintenance shade garden with big impact. Any of our Hostas are gorgeous plants that, when fully grown, take up a lot of space. Let them be the "meat" of your shady garden. My favorite is 'Bressingham Blue' because its sturdy leaves have a dusky cast that glows in the shady twilight.

Happy Gardening,
The Bulb Lady®