When people think of shade gardens, one plant usually comes to mind – hostas. And for good reason. They’re dependable, easy to grow, and their big, beautiful leaves brighten up those darker corners of the yard. I have plenty of them myself.
For a long time, I assumed hostas were about all that would grow in the shade. That changed when I started paying closer attention on my walks around Highlands.
Once I really looked, I realized our mountain forests are filled with plants that thrive beneath the trees. It made me wonder why I wasn’t using more of them in my own garden.
Living here on the Plateau, we’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful woodlands anywhere. A walk on one of our trails reveals what grows naturally beneath the canopy: layers of ferns, wildflowers, shrubs, mosses, and groundcovers working together to create a landscape that’s peaceful, textured, and quietly dramatic.
Borrowing a few of those ideas for our own gardens makes perfect sense.
One of my favorite shade plants is the fern. Whether you choose our native Christmas fern or the colorful Japanese painted fern, they add softness and movement that hostas simply can’t. Coral bells (Heuchera) are another excellent choice, with leaves in shades of burgundy, lime green, caramel, and silver that provide color even when the plants aren’t blooming.
Foamflower is a wonderful native option, producing delicate white flowers in spring before settling into an attractive groundcover for the rest of the season. Solomon’s seal is another plant worth knowing. Its graceful, arching stems and dangling white flowers bring an elegant look to any shady border.
Shrubs deserve attention, too. Oakleaf hydrangeas thrive in part shade and offer something to enjoy nearly every season. Mountain laurel, one of our native treasures, fits naturally into woodland gardens and reminds us that some of the best plants are the ones that have always belonged here.
One mistake many gardeners make is trying to keep shade gardens too tidy. Nature doesn’t work that way. A layer of fallen leaves feeds the soil, keeps roots cool, and holds moisture during dry spells. Moss growing around rocks or stepping stones often adds more charm than another bag of mulch ever could.
Before anyone thinks I’m declaring war on hostas, don’t worry. Mine aren’t going anywhere. But instead of planting another dozen this year, consider adding a few companions – a fern here, a clump of coral bells there, maybe a patch of foamflower tucked beneath a tree.
Before long, your garden will feel less like a collection of plants and more like a small piece of the mountain forest we all love.
As always,
Happy Gardening!
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