Shade Garden

This garden was the first to be built. It features an array of shade-loving plants. There are many spectacular plants that prefer this environment, some that even hold their foliage year round. Many homeowners find it difficult to garden because they don't have a lot of sun in their yards. Gardens such as this serve as inspiration to such gardeners, by showcasing a variety of plants that do well in full or part shade.   

Look closely for some early spring flowers here, like the Ivory Prince Christmas Rose, which can bloom in January. 

The original shade tree that encompassed this garden was felled by an ice storm in 2009. Since then, two strong and fast growing trees have been planted to take its place. First is a tulip poplar, a native tree that is host to the eastern tiger swallowtail caterpillar. The other is a sawtooth oak, which will provide food for the various critters in our garden with it's frilly capped acorns. 

At the back of the shade garden, near the stream, you might see an ancient White Ash, this tree is the oldest tree on our property. It hosts at least 30 different caterpillar species! Also, notice this tree's roots, see how it is holding the streambank in place and preventing erosion?