Re: [SG] intro & deep shade question; zone 5a

Hello Janet,
        Aren't Lists amazing? I am always fascinated by gardener's responses to my
queries. Each pick a point to reply to and when I wrote the original
message to the group I thought I knew what I was asking. Anyway, I am
focusing on the last part of your message about color in the shade garden.
        There is no need to be without color in the shade garden, or restrict
one's self to foliage. shade gardening can be just a color filled as
gardening in the full sun. just a matter of awareness.
        For very early season color try the Hellebores, Primula veris or vulgaris
and the p. sibboldii in combinations with some early bulbs. Lungworts
(Pulmonarias) have not only lovely foliage, but many different colors of
blooms same time as the Hellebores and Primulas. Some of the tiny natives
near the walk for close up would be nice, such as the Hepatica. I like the
Anemone nemorosa for little ground covers with lovely colors of blooms.
        For later in the season try the Phlox, Foam Flowers, Mountain Pinks. The
summer blooming Spigelia or Pink Root has firecracker red blooms with
yellow explosions on top of each tubular bloom and great, green, glossy
foliage. late color can be a Monkshood, or Fairy Candle or smaller Goats
Beard, summer blooming Gentians for heavenly blues, or Toadlilies for even
later color.
        Just in these couple of paragraphs there is enough to fill your space and
more with great foliage and colorful blooms all season.
        Gene Bush     Southern Indiana    Zone 6a     Munchkin Nursery
          around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com     http://www.munchkinnursery.com.

----------
> From: Janet Johnson <jjohnson@FGI.NET>
> Subject: [SG] intro & deep shade question; zone 5a
> Date: Tuesday, March 23, 1999 10:10 AM
>
> Hi - my name is Jan and I live in central Illinois.  Sorry to say I have
>
> been lurking for a while so thought it was time to introduce myself.   I
>
> have been gardening on and off for the 49 years of my life.  From
> planting vegetable gardens on the farm when growing up to always adding
> to my own flower gardens.  I have been on medical leave for several
> months so have a lot of time to plan & stew!!  Not!!  We have lived in
> this house for 10 years & I am constantly challenged by a short supply
> of full sun, so most area are light to medium shade.  Need help on a new
>
> spot created when moved a sidewalk.  It is a 3' by 15' north side
> foundation planting area & is in the moist deep shade.  I love hostas &
> continue to add some every year but the ?!! chipmunks love them also, so
>
> I have been adding heuchera to the front foundation planting gradually -
>
> so far they have left them alone.  As hosta loving as I am I am afraid
> of the destruction by the little critters.  I would like some color -
> flowering not  necessary-  but would really like this area to be
> noticeable from street side.  Right now it is dead space between
> houses.  I have enjoyed this list and thank everyone who has contributed
>
> in the past.  Take care, Jan Johnson   zone 5a
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