That is lovely. I'm very new to this: what have you got there? I think I see Hosta...and begonia? That lovely flowery thing in the back--love the way it picks up on the plant to the left.

Yes, that is hosta, begonia, and caladiums. The caladiums are grown from bulbs planted in the early spring. They really brighten up a shady spot.

Gorgeous!!

Are these annuals? Do you have to plant bulbs every year? I now have a shady area after removing Ivy yesterday, and would love some tips on what to plant there. I think we're in zone 7.

The hosta are perennials. They should come back fine for you in zone 7. I'm in 7b / 8 and they are very reliable for me. The caladiums are bulbs. They are iffy about coming back if left in the ground. I dig mine in the fall and replant in early spring. The begonias are annuals, at least for me they are. They are pretty available, and reasonably priced in the spring. They are very easy to root from cuttings, if you want to try to overwinter them inside. Just place a cutting in water until it develops roots (should only take 10 days or so) then plant in potting soil. Good luck!

The caladiums are beautiful...are they in total shade?

Thank you, I do love the caladiums. They are in at least 90% shade. They may get an hour of dappled sun a day, but that is all.