This shade perennial garden was in need of a makeover. The site presented a few challenges including dry sandy soil and a heavy deer population. Our plan was to re-design the garden using shade-tolerant and deer resistant perennials which prioritized textural contrast above flower power. A few prized hostas were kept, but the garden is otherwise a deer resistant planting. 9 cubic yards of compost were added to amend the sandy soil, and an underground irrigation system was also installed. The planting includes:
Epimedium 'Rubrum', Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate', Dicentra exima 'Luxuriant', Heuchera 'Obsidian', Brunnera 'Jack Frost', Hakonechloe 'Allgold', Athyrium 'Ghost', Perennial Geranium 'Max Frei', Japanese Tassel Fern, Astilbe 'Glut' (red), Astilbe 'Deutschland' (white), Digitalis grandiflora - Yellow Foxglove, Corydalis lutea, Ajuga 'Black Scallop', Heuchera 'Buttered Rum', Phlox subulata (a full-sun plant planted along the front edge of rocks).