Garden Design - Incorporating Hostas and Ferns

Garden Design - Incorporating Hostas and Ferns
By Kent Higgins

You may think that if your only option for a garden is a shady area, you may not be able to create a garden. If you use shade loving plants, however, it is very possible. Hostas and ferns are perfect options for shady areas. They add grace and charm to any garden area, and their foliage is beautiful.

Since other plants might not do well in the shade with the hostas and ferns, you can compliment them by adding elements such as a statuary, stone bench, brick wall, or birdbath. The deep greens of the ferns and hostas will work well visually with the stone or brick accessories. You will love relaxing in your shady area!

Since the area will be in the shade, it will hold moisture longer after rain or in the mornings, so creating a cobblestone or brick path will help to keep your feet clean and dry. A natural bark path is another option, especially if the garden is among trees. The brick or tiles should be used for formal gardens, but more informal gardens will look good with pebbles or paving stones.

A water feature is a very appealing addition to your shade garden. It will remind you of a natural stream, and you will feel as if you are in the wild, where the ferns and hostas naturally grow. It doesn't have to be expensive to add this feature, as it can be as simple as a reflecting pool.

If you use some boulders in your shade garden, mosses and lichens will look great growing on them and will thrive in the shady area.

To add some contrast and diversity to the garden, some of the hostas should have variegated foliage, with cream and gold colors. When placed in front of the dark greens of the other plants, they will stand out and really show how green the rest of the garden is. The colors will likely match those of the stone elements that you add, whether it's a bench, birdbath, or anything else.

Woodland wildflowers should bloom well, even in the shade. The colors of these will look great against the other dark colors. Be sure to sprinkle seeds for both early ad late blooming plants, so something is always blooming. Some early bloomers are crested irises and creeping phlox. Examples of late bloomers are goldenrod and mountain anemones.

It can take some time to prepare the soil and design where the hardscape elements of the garden will go, but once everything is in place and planted, the maintenance of your shade garden will be low. Ferns like the classic Boston fern will be a great addition to your landscape, whether it's your only option or you have it just in the shady part of a full garden landscape.

The Boston fern plant has been a favorite since the 1900's. In fact ferns are making a comeback. learn more about this classic plant which has been improved at http://www.plant-care.com/boston-fern.html

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