This week we're shining the light on a gardening challenge that we hear about often — how to deal with shade. With the right plants and the right design, a thriving (and colorful) shade garden is possible. So whether you've got a large shady area or just a low-light corner, check out the solutions below! One of the basic ground rules for successful gardening is "right plant, right place." If you're struggling to find the "right plant" for a "shady place," this list of 20 plants (including perennials, annuals, and even trees) can help. For even more, see Fab Foliage Plants for Shady Spaces. Blogger (and friend) Kevin Lee Jacobs transformed a "jungle of wild sumac, aggressive vines, and thorny brambles" into a beautiful woodland shade garden. See how he included areas for relaxing and wandering, and even a "Secret Garden" hidden within. See our Pinterest Shade board for more shade garden inspiration. Make the most of shady corners with bold and beautiful containers. See what it takes to be successful with shade containers and get inspired with creative plant combinations. Online Learning: Fascinating Plants for Shade Gardens Don't be afraid of the dark! Learn about a wide variety of plants for shade, including perennials, flowering shrubs, annuals, bulbs, and vines from plant expert Kerry Ann Mendez. You'll get detailed lecture notes with tons of helpful hints and design tips in this online course that will have you eager to plant up those low-light areas of your garden. Plus: CEC form available for master gardeners, certified horticulturists, and landscape architects. Share to Win These Beautiful Tea Towels Remember botanical artist Kellie Cox from our popular notecards? She now offers her art on tea towels, so we're giving away a set of three to a newsletter reader! All you need to do is click here to share this newsletter with a friend—maybe one who needs tips for planting a shady garden—and you're entered to win! See more of Kellie's work on Etsy. Congratulations to Karen from Texas, who won last week's book giveaway! We know you love gardening, but do you also love travel and visiting local gardens? If so, check out our new self-guided day trips. Each one is designed by a local garden expert especially for our readers. Let us know what cities you'd like to see next or where your next garden adventure is taking you! Self-Guided Garden Day Trips
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