skip to main content

Gardening in Shade

Need ideas for awkward yard area

9 years ago

The area off to the left of the deck is all poor soil, very shady, and awkwardly cut off from the rest of the yard. What can I do there? It would be a great place for a shed but with our large garage we don't need a shed! I'd love a butterfly garden or something that will beautify the space and be somewhat tranquil and/or useful. I think it's too shady for vegetables. Any tips?

Featured Answer

PRO

User

9 years ago

That might be just the spot for a small water feature like a bubbling boulder or a jar fountain to add some relaxing sounds near your seating areas. Then you could add some shade-loving plants as accents. Small spaces are a great opportunity to add an eye-catching feature to your landscape. I don't know who to credit for the photo below, but you might use it for inspiration. Best of luck!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Where are you located? Please give us the city and zone. You could improve the soil by adding compost in that area. You already have Hostas and there are beauties with very nice foliage colors that you could add along with Astilbe, Dicentra, Ferns, Hydrangea....The area does appear too shady for vegetables.
There4
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm in central Iowa. Here is another photo showing the side yard that is just a bunch of nothing and some weeds. The part by the deck is more square shape; I'm not sure what to do there.
Related Professionals
Alexandria Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · New Orleans Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · North Adams Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Saint Marys Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rapid City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Bronx Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Barnstable Accessory Dwelling Units · Portland Accessory Dwelling Units · Saint Cloud Accessory Dwelling Units · San Luis Obispo Accessory Dwelling Units · Parkersburg Architects & Building Designers · Stamford Architects & Building Designers · Missoula Architects & Building Designers · Medford Architects & Building Designers · Magog Architects & Building Designers
AnnKH
9 years ago
I could see shade-loving plants all along the fence - so many possibilities!
laceyvail 6A, WV
9 years ago
Yes, shade lovers--dozens and dozens of possibilities.
arcy_gw
9 years ago
If you do some research you can even have some flowering/color all year. Hosta are my mainstay but with the astilbe, bleeding hears, primrose, flowering mustard...it is possible to always have something in bloom.

Related Stories

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: Great Room Solves an Awkward Interior

By Mitchell Parker

The walls come down in a chopped-up Eichler interior, and a family gains space and light

MORE ROOMS Ideas for Awkward Living Room Areas

This year, think beyond the couch to add interest and utility to the living room

THE HARDWORKING HOME From Awkward Corner to Multipurpose Lounge

By Becky Harris

The Hardworking Home: See how an empty corner becomes home to a library, an LP collection, a seating area and a beloved string bass

ATTICS 14 Tips for Decorating an Attic — Awkward Spots and All

By Laura Gaskill

Turn design challenges into opportunities with our decorating ideas for attics with steep slopes, dim light and more

DECORATING GUIDES Ask an Expert: What to Do With an Awkward Nook

Discover how to decorate and furnish rooms with oddly shaped corners and tricky roof angles

DECORATING GUIDES How to Work With Awkward Windows

By Judith Taylor Designs

Use smart furniture placement and window coverings to balance that problem pane, and no one will be the wiser

HOME OFFICES Room of the Day: Home Office Makes the Most of Awkward Dimensions

By Becky Harris

Smart built-ins, natural light, strong color contrast and personal touches create a functional and stylish workspace

ATTICS Room of the Day: Awkward Attic Becomes a Happy Nest

By Becky Harris

In this master bedroom, odd angles and low ceilings go from challenge to advantage

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Dialing Back Awkward Additions in Denver

By Mitchell Parker

Lack of good flow once made this midcentury home a headache to live in. Now it’s in the clear

LATEST NEWS FOR PROFESSIONALS Talking About the Budget Doesn’t Have to Be Awkward

These 4 tips can help when you’re discussing project costs with clients

Sponsored