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[SHADEGARDENS] Flowers

Hi Faith:

What kind of DogPerson are you? We've bred and exhibited dogs since
1954. Chihuahuas first, then in. Poodles, then Dalmatians since 1967.
We've produced 60+ Dalmatian Champions of Record. No longer breeding
and showing. We are now to the age that it is too demanding.

We love to garden and that seems to be more rewarding these days.
Just bought the 1.28 acre lot across the street from the house. It is
flat for the first 1/3 and then gently falls off to the North into a
wooded ravine. Although there are quite a few dead trees that have to
be cleared, it will be a haven for shade plants and shrubs once it is
cleared out. I see lots of possibilities. The fact that the first 1/3
is flat and gets full sun, gives us huge possibilities for all sorts
of plants. It will be nice to not be restricted specifically to shade
gardening, although that is what I really enjoy. Since I love the
shade, perhaps that is why I am not bothered much by the
preponderance of cloudy days in Iowa. Most people are complaining
about "no sun" and I don't think about it much. I just seem to
receive comfort from shaded areas, but I do enjoy morning sun on my
Hostas.

Hemerocallis (Daylily) do much better in sun but we have quite a few
that only get half day sun and they do okay. I find that they do the
best in full sun and plenty of water during their bloom peak. You can
spend your family fortune on Hemerocallis, trust me. There are some
absolutely gorgeous ones available though. The prices have remained
plenty high even for some of the older ones. Most tetraploids do grow
quite vigorously though so they multiply fairly fast.

You shouldn't have much trouble finding shade plants in all the
various Perennial Catalogs that are available. From my own experience,
 it is better to try to visit gardens when plants are up and blooming
so you can see the color texture and size. This give you a better
idea of what to buy and where to plant it. No it is NOT unreasonable
to expect to have color all Spring summer and Fall. You have choices,
even for the shade.

Good luck with your gardens. Are you anywhere near Sarnia? Oil City?
We have Dalmatian friends there.

Forrest G. Johnson - Iowa zone 5a
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