Shady bidness!

So, in the course of my 7 years of my gardening biz, two of my firstest clients were ladies who have shade gardens. Though shade gardens present their own challenges, I've learned quite well now that there are AMAZING varieties of plants (annuals and perennials) that thrive quite nicely in the shade. And, FYI, I am NOT talking about impatiens.

EeeeeK!

I have to say, between the impatiens, marigolds and geraniums that permeate most flower beds, I'm just DYING for everyone to try new plants! Enough with these old, moldy stand-bys! Branch out! (No pun intended!) Try something different like lamium or torenia or even some amazing new varieties of begonia!

Below are the almost-completely-mature versions of the gardens I started for these ladies 7 years ago! Each had their own unique flow and the one in particular has an area in the back that replicates marshy conditions (shady, marshy conditions! Not easy!), but we've made them work and they are both stunningly beautiful now.

This first one is my most favorite garden. It's like a fairy tale land! So gorgeous and lush! Just look:

If you look closely (or enlarge the picture) you can see there are hanging baskets along the fence and then I also do two other planters in this garden. I'll take more photos soon, as all along the walkway are fairy roses that will be blooming shortly! They are loaded with blossoms and should look incredible in about a week or so.

Here's the other one - the shady, marshy garden:

I added those planters this season to solve the issue of erosion and waaaay-too-wet soil for planting anything. They are really pretty! Filled with lamium, brunerra macrophylla and coral bells (heuchera)...Those are among my most favorite shade plants to use.

And, last for today, but not least, is a small bouquet I made from the fleurs in my garden! I gave this to my good friend for a Mother's day gift! It's got white ranunculus, orange poppies, blooms from my broccoli rabe, jacob's ladder (the purple) and bleeding heart! GORGEOUS!

Hope you will come back for a visit soon. I've been overwhelmed with personal icky stuff - most notably my Dad has been in the hospital on and off for the last 3 weeks. He's on the mend and back home, thankfully...

Ciao & Happy Holiday weekend!