Lee Valley Tools - Gardening Newsletter Vol. 3, Issue 4

Gardening Newsletter
Vol. 3, Issue 4
August 2008

Shade Gardening

Terminology
Full sun describes areas receiving six to eight hours of direct sun daily.

Partial shade or partial sun is an interchangeable term describing areas that receive three to six hours of daily sun. A partial-sun plant usually relies on receiving minimum sun requirements, while a partial-shade plant needs relief from afternoon sun.

Full or dense shade describes areas receiving less than three hours of sunlight per day. Located under thick trees or evergreens, they receive little or no direct sun. Limited varieties of ferns and flowers with evergreen leaves survive these conditions. Adjustments may be necessary to increase sunlight and expand plant choices.

Light shade conditions are prominent under high-canopy trees and east and north building foundations. Plantings could include shade-loving and shade-tolerant plants.

Dappled shade refers to areas where sun slices through tree branches. Sun is permitted to penetrate small-leaf canopies, such as those of Russian olive or locust trees, in a moving pattern during the day. Shade- and sun-loving plants can thrive in these beds.