New England is home to some of the country’s most densely forested states, leaving many properties cast in large amounts of shade. Since most plants require sunlight of some degree to survive, this predicament leaves many property owners wondering how to go about their landscaping. Given the dreariness of a sunless yard, plants that can weather these environmental conditions are important to adding color to the landscape. Fortunately, Dolan Landscaping has tips for planning landscaping for your shady property.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Shady Property

Not only do you want plants that can survive with minimal sun, but you want to add a bit of color to brighten the shrouded landscape. Some plants that not only love the shade but will also add some flare to your property include:

• Annuals: Some popular and colorful shade-loving annuals include balsam, impatiens, browallia, and the beefsteak plant. Since there is no sun, you should ensure your soil is habitable and nutrient-rich.
• Perennials: There are a variety of vibrant flowers that thrive in the shade – such as begonias and hydrangeas – but there are also perennial vines, such as clematis, that can add some color.
• Trees: Some shade-tolerant trees that can survive beneath the canopy of taller trees include American hornbeams, crape myrtles, and serviceberry trees.

Unfortunately, many weeds tend to grow in the shade as well. Therefore, you’ll want to plant in large numbers to diminish the space where weeds can grow. Furthermore, edging the shaded parts of your property with bright grasses – such as Japanese forest grass – or shrubbery can create vibrancy amidst the shade.

Hardscape Features That Work in the Shade

If you’re finding none of the shade-loving plants to your liking, sometimes you can fill the shaded parts of your landscape with eye-catching hardscapes. A water feature can add some sensory detail to an otherwise dim landscape, and building pathways with colorful pavers can brighten the shaded areas – especially if you surround the pathways with plantain lilies, coleus, or another vibrant plant that thrives in shade. An outdoor fire pit is another great use for shady areas of your landscape.

Planning landscaping for your shady property takes a bit of creativity and knowledge of plants that require little sun. Fortunately, there are several options to liven those areas of your property with little sunlight. At Dolan Landscaping, we have the experience to meet all of your landscape desires, from planting and lawn maintenance to hardscapes and landscaping designs. If you’re interested in bringing vibrancy to your otherwise sunless landscape, contact us today.