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Many articles have been written on the challenge of shade gardening so it could be assumed that shade container gardening is equally or maybe even more difficult. By following just a few simple steps shade container gardening can be very easy and rewarding. Knowing the basics of scale, color combinations to achieve desired effects, degrees of shade and sunlight needs of the plants that you want to plant is the key. Having the willingness to experiment with and change container locations is also good.
Scale
The starting point of determining the scale of your shade container gardening project begins with the area that the containers will be filling. Before buying any containers it is wise to have a clear vision of what you want the finished project to look like. A large shaded deck or stone patio can be transformed to a lush garden spot with the addition of lots large containers and flower boxes or be given a formal atmosphere by the strategic placement of impressive containers with statuesque evergreens. Key decisions will be whether or not the container or the plants will be the focal point and making sure that the size of the containers is in keeping with the overall size of the area involved. No matter how many small containers you put in a large area they will fail to achieve the look you are going for because the scale is off.
Color
While there are a number of flowering plants like begonia’s, impatiens and columbines that will do well in any shade container gardening scheme the greatest source of color in shade loving plants is the foliage. Wonderful combinations of colors exist on each leaf of many a shade loving species of coleus or cannas. When grouped with other plants with leaves of contrasting shades of color and textures flowers could not be more striking. Variegated varieties of trailing plants combined with tall grasses and broad leafed uprights in different shades of green makes an eye pleasing shade container gardening arrangement for a corner or a particular color scheme can be played out with a range of plants with foliage of the same color but in different intensities across the area being plantscaped.
Degrees of Shade
Shade comes in many favors. There is dappled, partial, medium, deep and defused light that are all shade conditions. Observing the area over the course of several days is the only way to know the exact kind of shade your spot has. Maddening as it is the type of shade can change in the course of a day, with the change of seasons and with the passage of time. Trees mature and create deeper shade as they fill out. The sun moves in a different arc in Spring, Summer and Fall. Having your shade container gardening pots on castors is a good way to be able to adapt to the changes and keep your plantings healthy and growing.
Knowledge is the key to successful shade container gardening projects. Apply all that you can learn to your plantings and then try new combinations!
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about container gardening and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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