Creating a beautiful garden is a challenge in shady areas as special plants are needed to thrive in low light conditions. This article will explore 10 inspiring shade garden designs that demonstrate creative uses of space, plant selection, hardscaping and more.
Notting Hill Rooftop Design
This rooftop garden in London makes the most of vertical space with mature grapevines trained into trees and other shade tolerant plants. Choosing plants that can climb walls or grow upright maximizes the use of limited space.
Tropical Style in Sydney
Tall palm trees provide natural shade in this Sydney garden. Plants thriving below include Heliconia, Alpinia, Strelitzia and Costus which bring a lush tropical feel despite the cooler climate. Strategic use of large shade trees allows for a tropical aesthetic.
Monochromatic Foliage Bed
Soothing shades of green are created in this Washington garden through the layering of hostas, Brunnera, and Polystichum ferns with varied textures. Sticking to a single color palette provides cohesion even in partial shade.
Hanging Vine Privacy Screen
A curtain of Virginia Creeper was used by this Melbourne garden to create a secluded outdoor dining area. Deciduous vines allow summer shade and winter sun to filter through while maintaining visual barriers between spaces.
Side Yard Serenity
Impatiens and Liriope brighten this sunny California side yard transformed by landscaping. A low maintenance gravel path leads to a bubbling fountain, making the most of a narrow space often overlooked.
Colorful Foliage Display
Heucheras, Allium, Euphorbia and Spirea with vibrant leaves provide seasonal interest without heavy shade blocking flowers in this English garden. Ornamental foliage withstands low light and enlivens gardens when in bloom.
Big Blossoming Shade Borders
Hydrangeas, cassia trees and other flowering perennials deliver pops of color to this San Diego backyard despite areas of dappled shade from mature specimens. Combining shade tolerant blooms diversifies sensory appeal.
Santa Fe Shady Retreat
A shade sail suspended over a flagstone patio creates an inviting outdoor room in the hot New Mexico climate. Succulents and a cooling water feature flanked by artificial turf and shade loving perennials encourage relaxation without glare.
Asian Inspired Ornaments
Careful placement of sculptures, stone lanterns and other collected oddities brings balance and scale to this Santa Barbara garden. Maples, papyrus and Korean grass soften hardscape elements and reference the homeowners' world travels in a shaded plot.
