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So, you’ve cleared out that shady corner of the garden. You’ve planted a wide variety of shade tolerant flowers, shrubs and trees to add color and impact. Don’t stop just yet. You still need to add a few finishing touches. Shade tolerant landscape plants will pull all the elements together to create a harmonious finished product.
Landscaping Shade Plants – Ground Covers
One of the best options for slopes, rock gardens and edging is to use shade tolerant ground covers. Japanese Spurge is a glossy green plant that spreads through an underground root system, forming a dense mat of foliage. It is extremely hardy and prevents weed growth and soil erosion. Liriope is another shade tolerant landscape plant that works well in rock gardens and under shade trees. It is a spreading, grassy-leaved perennial that produces small, white or purple flowers in late summer. Both of these ground covers are extremely hardy, and can tolerate heavy shade, heat, drought, and competition for nutrients from nearby tree roots.
Landscaping Shade Plants - Grasses
If you really must have grass walkways through your shade garden or under your shade trees, there are a few types of shade tolerant grasses. Most of the Fescue species are shade tolerant to a greater or lesser degree. There have also been new hybrids of Kentucky bluegrass introduced which have greater shade tolerance. However, they do have a slightly different look than traditional landscape lawns and will not completely blend with the grass in the rest of your yard.
Landscaping Shade Plants - Moss
A better alternative to shade tolerant grasses may be to use moss as a landscape accent. Moss plants form low-growing dense mats, can tolerate foot traffic, and do not require mowing. As an additional benefit, moss tends to grow in locations where lawn grasses have difficulty establishing. Why not use that to your advantage? Plant moss in between garden stepping stones to create a path with a lovely old world look that requires no mowing. Since moss requires plenty of moisture, it is the perfect plant to use around ponds and other water features, eliminating the need to mow right up to the edge of the water.
Shade landscape plants are the final element you need to complete your shade garden. Ground covers, shade tolerant grasses, and yes, even moss, can be used in conjunction with flowers, shrubs, and trees to put the final polish on that unused shady spot. They are low maintenance, prevent soil erosion, and help prevent weed growth. NOW, your shade garden is finished.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about landscape gardening and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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