Shady areas are usually the most neglected because it can be a challenge to find the right plants and design. Don’t waste your time with species that demand full sun and look for those that’ll thrive and turn the shade into your garden’s best-kept secret. The dim, unwanted corners will now be tranquil, lush retreats where you can unwind after a long day in the sun.
You’ll be surrounded by natural beauties like ferns, moss, and hostas, while the trickling of a water feature creates a soothing ambiance. With these easy landscaping ideas for shady areas, you’ll unlock the full potential of a space that you previously had issues with
1. Ferns
Ferns and shady gardens go hand in hand because they thrive in low-light areas where most other plants struggle. Their lush, feathery appearance creates a woodland feel, so your shaded spaces are transformed into low-maintenance green retreats.
Choose any shape and size, from delicate maidenhair ferns to large ostrich ferns, to suit your garden’s style and plant them along borders or in clusters. They spread fast and fill in empty gaps, but you can also pair them with hostas or hydrangeas for a fuller look.
2. Clusters of Hostas
Hostas don’t need a lot of light to thrive, but they do need well-drained soil and mulch to retain moisture. They’re available in many different varieties, with broad leaves in shades of green, blue, cream, and variegated patterns. Those leaves fill out shaded beds to create a focal point, which reduces the need for supplemental groundcover and constant weeding. When summer comes along, your hostas will reward you with delicate, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators and pair beautifully with ferns, shade-tolerant shrubs, and astilbes.
3. Moss Garden
Moss gardens are a unique replacement if you’ve got shady areas where grass simply refuses to grow. Moss thrives in low-light and damp conditions and it requires no mowing, fertilizing, or pesticides. The greenery will spread naturally to fill empty spaces and you can turn your shaded retreat into a charming woodland-inspired fairy garden.
If you add ferns, hostas, bleeding hearts, or trilliums to the mix, you can turn your simple moss garden into a magical wonderland. Use rocks, logs, a small pond, a birdbath, garden ornaments, or a mossy rock arrangement to enhance the natural look of the space where children can play and adults can reflect and relax.
4. Shade-Tolerant Groundcover
Groundcovers prevent erosion and reduce the need for weeding, while providing a safe habitat for clitters and pollinators, whether the area is shady or not. Ajuga, vinca minor, lamium, and pachysandra are all great options that’ll thrive with minimal effort and spread quickly to create lush green carpets.
Ajuga’s deep purple foliage and blue flower spikes will create interest when other flowers aren’t blooming, while lamium’s silver-patterned leaves and pink blossoms create a nice contrast. Mix different groundcovers to create a tapestry and plant them under trees or along shady pathways.
5. Small Water Feature
Shady areas are overlooked and understated, but you can use some of these easy landscaping ideas for shady areas, like this one, to draw attention to them. Instead of trying to hide the space where plants struggle to grow, turn it into a focal point with a small water feature. Shade prevents excessive algae growth, which means your features will be easier to maintain.
A simple small fountain, pond with aquatic plants, or bird-friendly bubbler can make a big difference and attract wildlife to add extra life to your garden. Incorporate natural stone, moss, and a cozy bench to the design to enhance the tranquil feeling.
6. Evergreen Flowering Shrubs
Unlike deciduous plants, evergreen flowering shrubs are invaluable in shady landscapes because they retain their leaves throughout the year. Thus, your shaded areas won’t look bare in winter. Rhododendrons, camellias, and mountain laurels thrive in partial to full shade and they produce beautiful flowers in summer and spring. Use their dense foliage to your advantage by creating privacy screens or borders where fencing and walls aren’t an option. Or, use them as a cohesive backdrop for smaller shade plants like hostas and ferns.
7. Enough Lighting
Shady areas are darker than the rest of your garden, which is why they feel dim and dull. With the right lighting, you can solve this problem and create an illuminated, welcoming atmosphere. Add soft lighting along pathways, around seating areas, or near water features for an incredible after-sunset ambiance.
Uplight the other easy landscaping ideas for shady areas that you’ve already implemented or drape string lights through branches and along fences. For added security, choose motion-sensor lights, while solar-powered or low-voltage LED lights are easy to install and energy-efficient.
8. Moments of Zen
You don’t have to practice meditation to have a zen garden in your shaded space. It’s one of those easy landscaping ideas for shady areas that works for stress relief and unwinding after a long day at work, whether you use it to meditate or not. Embrace the calmness of the shade and design an area that’s specifically for mindfulness, relaxation, and reflection.
Incorporate natural textures like wood, stone, and water as grounding elements and introduce subtle spiritual accents with a stone lantern or bamboo fountain. Surround it all with greenery, moss, or shade-loving flowers and guide visitors towards a bench or floor cushion with a gravel or stone path.
9. Garden Bench
Most of the easy landscaping ideas for shady areas can do with a garden bench, but it can turn your space into a destination by itself. Don’t let the coolness of shade go to waste, especially not during hot weather. Place a bench under a tree, beside a trickling water feature, or between lush ferns and hostas to create a retreat where you can read, reflect, or enjoy the view. Choose wrought iron or classic wood for a farmhouse feel, or stone for something more modern. If you want to spend longer periods in your new shady escape, bring out some cushions or a throw for comfort.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.