20 Shade Garden Design Ideas That Thrive Without Tons of Sun

Lacking loads of direct sunlight in your outdoor space doesn’t mean you have to settle for a blah backyard. With some proper planning, a shade garden—one full of shade-tolerant perennials, annuals, and shrubs—can be just as bold, colorful, and relaxing as one with access to full sun.

Read on for shade garden ideas that’ll have you making the most of every nook and corner of your lawn.

Planning a Shade Garden

Before planting a shade garden, take these tips courtesy of Nick Cutsumpas—perhaps you know him as Farmer Nick—into consideration. 

• Select plants that are accustomed to being under a canopy. Shade gardens rely on dappled or indirect sunlight, so choose understory plants that thrive without full sun.
• Shade garden plants prefer more moisture than full-sun plants. Their soil beds should receive sufficient water throughout the season—Cutsumpas usually opts for drip irrigation.
• Check the path of the sun throughout each season. What may seem like a shade garden in fall may become a partial sun or full sun garden come summer, according to Cutsumpas. This could spell disaster for your shade plants, which would potentially burn.

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