Solving Shade

Shade gets a bad rap, but shade gardens are actually exquisite repositories of an amazing variety of colors, textures, and foliage. We "solve" your shade problems with beautiful flowers, helpful plans, and stylish containers. Start with an old standby: hostas. We give you ideas to help you choose the best varieties for your outdoor spaces. Hosta is one example of a perennial that rewards in shade spaces from year to year; we have other selections that offer color from the warm rays of spring to the cooling daylight in fall. Some annuals love shade and are easy to care for; try a combination of several of our top picks. Surprisingly, some wildflowers flourish in sun-shy spaces; we have photos that will wow you and plants that will love your shade garden. In the heat of summer, shade can be quite welcome. To create your own cool retreat, explore our ideas for a secluded getaway. Is the front or back of your house in shade? Has that prevented you from including window boxes? Use this year to embrace shade-loving window boxes with plant-by-number creations that will brighten your home's facade.