Although plantings around a tree create a lovely landscape, you need to observe a few precautions to protect the tree. To avoid severing or damaging tree roots, do not dig under a tree's canopy. Instead of digging, spread a layer of topsoil no more than 4 inches deep over the ground. Cover this layer with a 2-inch-deep mulch of chopped leaves, which will decompose into a rich humus. Dig your planting holes in this new medium. Another precaution -- when planting, be careful not to damage the tree trunk.

The photograph shows a circle of Hostas and Impatiens, two staples of a shade garden. You also can jazz up the areas beneath trees with other shade-loving plant:

• Ajuga
• Astilbe
• Caladium
• Epimedium
• Ferns
• Foamflower
• Fuchsia
• Lily-of-the-valley
• Liriope
• Lungwort
• Solomon's-seal
• Spiderwort
• Wild ginger