Create Garden Interest by Focusing on Foliage

A shady yard can be a challenge to gardeners. Those glorious, colorful blooms that fill  local garden centers in the spring often don't do well in less than full sun. The dark recesses of the backyard need something special to bring them onto your garden's spotlight.

A hosta may be the plant to add some pizzazz! They come in a variety of sizes and colors. Guacamole is large and, well, the color of guacamole. The Patriot Hosta isn't quite as large but the white trimmed, green leaves will also brighten up a shady spot.

More color can be added to shade gardens with the distinctive foliage of coral bells. The deep purple of Black Beauty, the red veins running through the leaves of Green Spice, and the peachy pink of Georgia Peach show off their unique colors.Their ruffled leaves of each plant add interesting textures.

Hydrangeas are often seen as an old fashioned plant. But their recent resurgence in landscaping popularity has proven them to be a dependable anchor in many shade gardens. The Annabelle Hydrangea has large white flower heads and dark green leaves, both of which lend themselves to spectacular floral arrangements. The heads can also be dried and used later in the season when creating wreaths.

Astilbe and ferns have similar leaf forms. They are often serrated looking and both work well in fresh floral arrangements. The height of astilbes, which can be up to 24 inches, allow them to be a back planting in a shade garden or interspersed with larger hostas. Japanese Painted Ferns look good more toward the front of a garden bed.

Whatever your preferences  may be, the ripple of a hosta, the wispy serration of a fern, or the ruffle of a coral belle, it's all just waiting for the spotlight in your garden!