Garden Landscaping 15 Shade Garden Ideas to Brighten Up the Darkest Spots in Your Yard If your yard doesn’t get a lot of sun, try planting a shade garden that will thrive in low light. By Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould is a veteran freelance lifestyle reporter based in Phoenix, Ariz. with over 10 years of experience. She covers home, wellness, beauty, and travel for outlets such as Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Insider, TODAY, Bustle, TripSavvy, The Zoe Report, and others. Whether ruminating about interior design with the influential leaders in the industry, on the ground at NYFW talking trends with beauty and fashion pros, or venturing to a new corner of the world, she’s always eager to report on the latest and greatest. Editorial Guidelines Published on June 4, 2024 Close Photo: Getty Images Many gardens are bathed in sunbeams, but not every part of a yard always has the benefit of partial or full sun exposure. The solution? Shade gardens—areas of your yard situated in the shade where you can grow plants that naturally prefer less sun. Whether you've already got a shady spot you’re nurturing or are keen on transforming an underutilized space, let these shade garden ideas inspire you. 11 Garden Trends to Try in 2024, From Sensory Gardens to Food Forests 01 of 15 Embrace Shade-Loving Plants Irina Kosheleva / Getty Images Each plant has its preferences when it comes to sun exposure, water, and even soil. When building out your shade garden, prioritize plants that thrive in shady conditions. Some excellent options include various fern varieties, hostas, lilies, bell flowers, foxglove, and columbine. 15 Shade-Loving Perennials to Brighten Up Your Garden 02 of 15 Install a Stunning Pathway Avery J Klein, Hommes + Gardens Garden paths may seem a simple enough feature, but they're a great chance to flex your creative muscles and infuse a bit of whimsy into your shade garden. A series of stepping stones "grouted" with grass instantly transforms this shady side yard designed by Hommes + Gardens. 17 Garden Path Ideas That Perfectly Showcase Your Plantings 03 of 15 Add Some Soft Lighting Beau Lark/Corbis/VCG / Getty Images If you do have a garden path, light the way with a series of solar lights. Alternatively, string some bistro lights or solar-powered lanterns from above. Lights in shaded areas will kick on earlier in the day than lights in bright spots, creating a magical and serene atmosphere just before dusk. 04 of 15 Relax With a Water Feature Bouillante / Getty Images Water features, including gurgling fountains and small ponds, can instantly create a serene atmosphere in your shade garden. The sound of running water along with the reflective, shimmering surface enhances the tranquility of shaded areas. 9 Garden Features That Will Increase the Value of Your Home, From Pergolas to Brick Pavers 05 of 15 Create a Cozy Spot to Dine Dulyanut Swdp / Getty Images Shady spots offer a much-needed reprieve from the blazing sun. Take advantage of your shaded garden by incorporating a lovely spot for some al fresco dining. Here, a lush and tropical oasis becomes the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or home-cooked meal. 06 of 15 And Install Lounge Seating, Too Solidago / Getty Images Along with having a spot to dine, consider adding some chairs, a bench, or an outdoor couch for some relaxed seating. These are idyllic spots to sit and soak in nature, read a book, or get some journaling done. 20 Backyard Patio Ideas to Transform This Space Into an Outdoor Haven 07 of 15 Incorporate a Rock Garden Courtesy of Mt. Cuba Center Let rocks or boulders function as art in your shade garden. Their rugged structure creates striking contrast against vibrant flowers and lush green foliage. 08 of 15 Use Planters as Décor Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images Planters are a simple way to instantly create dimension and variety in your shade garden. Consider grouping them as pictured here or place them strategically in areas that seem like they could use an infusion of color or interest. 10 Creative Ways to Arrange Potted Plants Indoors and Outside 09 of 15 Invite Birds With a Cool Bath Robert J Evans / Getty Images Birds enjoy preening in the sun, but they also enjoy a shady reprieve. Shady spots help provide protection from predators and serve as a way for them to cool down on especially hot days. Of course, a bird bath makes for a beautiful focal point in your shade garden, as well. 10 of 15 Add Some Stepping Stones imagenavi / Getty Images Shade gardens can often hold onto moisture after precipitation since the sun doesn't dry the ground as quickly as it would in a full-sun location. Stepping stones can bypass this dilemma, quite literally. Opt for an earthy and rugged option, as pictured here, or install something more uniform. 11 of 15 Build a Meditation Garden Getty Images One of the biggest benefits of having a garden is being able to carve out some quiet time to spend with nature. You can enhance this aspect even further by incorporating a meditation garden, like one that includes a sand/gravel raking area. The theory is that the act of raking the area to create patterns helps improve concentration, puts you in the present, and soothes your mind. Shaded gardens are perfect for this since gravel doesn't require sun. 12 of 15 Have Fun With Features John Keeble / Getty Images Garden features instantly infuse personality into an outdoor space. Maybe you prefer whimsical pieces with a European "secret garden" feel, or perhaps bright and playful pieces bring you joy. Whatever the case, have fun with garden features, large and small. 13 of 15 Let Moss Thrive Juliet Lehair / Getty Images Moss grows brilliantly in low-light, high-humidity areas, making it the perfect addition to many shade gardens. (In fact, direct sunlight can dry out moss and inhibit its growth). That said, take advantage of your shady conditions by allowing moss to thrive. It can even serve as a substitute for grass since many lawn-type grasses require sunlight and routine mowing. 9 Types of Moss That Will Add Color and Texture to Your Garden 14 of 15 Install a Decorative Retaining Wall Jennifer Photography Imaging / Getty Images Retaining walls have the utilitarian benefit of controlling erosion and improving drainage, but they also provide an opportunity to get a little creative. A decorative retaining wall filled with shade-friendly plants, beautiful rocks, and intriguing features doubles as a piece of art. 15 of 15 Add Vertical Intrigue With Ivy and Vines gollykim / Getty Images Shade-tolerant vines deliver color and texture, allowing you to add vertical intrigue to shaded areas of your garden or landscape. Some options to consider include Boston or English ivy, winter jasmine, Virginia creeper, climbing hydrangea, and trumpet vines. 13 Best Climbing Plants for Your Backyard Pergolas, Fences, and Trellises Was this page helpful? 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