Shadows in the garden are not a limitation but a true space for creativity. At Ecolandscape Studio, we believe that shaded areas can become not just a part of the landscape, but unique corners that, with the right approach, can transform any garden. Our specialists work with such projects every day and know how to effectively use shadow to create stylish and harmonious spaces. Today, we’ll share our approach to working with shaded areas, showcase examples from real projects, and provide tips to help you make your garden special.
Designing a Garden in the Shade
Many gardeners face the question: «What can be done with the shade in the garden?» We often receive such inquiries from clients, and every time the answer is the same: «Shadows in the garden are an opportunity, not a problem.» At Ecolandscape Studio, we always begin with a thorough analysis of the site, studying which areas are exposed to direct sunlight and where the shadow prevails. This allows us to select the right plants and create optimal conditions for their growth.
Not long ago, we completed a project for a country house where most of the garden was under dense shade from old trees. The client was skeptical about whether anything beautiful could be created in such conditions. We suggested using an approach focused on texture and form rather than bright flowers. We chose hostas, ferns, and mosses, which thrive in the shade, and their variety of textures and shades created visual interest even without vibrant accents. Instead of standard flowerbeds, we used large-leaved plants to give the garden volume and depth.
Textures Instead of Bright Flowers in Shaded Gardens
The main advice we give to our clients is to focus on textures. A shaded garden is an opportunity to play with different layers, shapes, and shades of greenery, rather than trying to create vibrant flowers as in sunny gardens.
«Shade is a chance to create a garden where form and texture speak louder than color,» says Martin Palma, founder and CEO of Ecolandscape Studio. We always advise clients to focus on the leaves and shapes of plants to create an interesting and balanced landscape.
In one of our projects, we used ferns to add lightness and movement to the space. Their textures, from smooth to fluffy, blend beautifully with other shade-loving plants. Heucheras with their silvery or purple leaves added the right contrast and kept the garden visually lively, even without bright flowers.
Recommendations for Choosing Plants for Shady Areas
As with any project, we take a personalized approach to every site. We don’t offer standard solutions — we study the unique features of your garden to select the best plants for specific conditions. It’s important to remember that not all plants thrive in the shade, so the selection must be carefully considered.
For full shade, plants like hostas and ferns are perfect. These plants can form the foundation of your composition, and their textures and shapes will work well even with little light. For partial shade, we recommend choosing astilbes and heucheras. These plants will delight you with their blooms while not requiring much light and will complement the structure of your garden.
Don’t forget that in the shade, you can also grow edible plants. Leafy greens like lettuce or spinach thrive in low-light conditions. At Ecolandscape Studio, we recommend such plants for those who want to combine practicality with aesthetics.
Managing Humidity in a Shaded Garden
One of the most important tasks when creating a shaded garden is managing soil moisture properly. In shaded gardens, the soil is often either too dry or too wet. In our experience, this is one of the key issues many gardeners face. To ensure plants feel comfortable, we advise starting with an analysis of the soil and its condition.
When the area suffers from excess moisture, it’s crucial to create good drainage. In such cases, we use coarse-grained mulch to help retain moisture and improve soil aeration. On the other hand, if the soil is too dry due to competition for roots from trees, we recommend using organic additives like compost and mulch to create a looser and more nutritious environment for plant roots.
Tips for Caring for Shady Areas
Shady areas may require a bit more attention than sunny ones. Here are some simple tips to help your shaded garden stay healthy and beautiful:
- Use organic mulch — it helps retain moisture and improves soil structure.
- Leave space for air — it’s important not to plant too densely. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases and allows plants to «breathe.»
- Group plants by needs — combine plants with similar water and light requirements. This will make garden care much easier.
Designing shaded gardens is not only an opportunity to create a green corner, but also a chance to stand out. «Creating a shaded garden is not just a task, but a true art form, where every element and every decision matters,» says Martin Palma. At Ecolandscape Studio, we are always looking for new approaches and solutions to transform any shady corner into a beautiful and harmonious space.
If you want to transform your garden and create a corner that will delight you all year round, contact us. We will offer a personalized solution that is perfect for your site. Whether it’s a shady area under trees or partial shade near walls, we will make your garden not only beautiful but functional.
We believe that the approach to designing every garden should be individual, and we are ready to help you create the perfect space that will delight you every day.
