Fine Gardening Magazine

Written for passionate gardeners, Fine Gardening provides inspired ideas backed by detailed instructions for creating healthy gardens, outdoor rooms, and beautiful landscapes suited to the region. Horticulturists, nurserymen, and designers share their expertise on plants, care, soil, eco-friendly pest control, propagation, design, and landscaping.

Shade: Is it a blessing or a curse?

Fine Gardening Magazine

It’s easy to get ALL ACCESS • Gardening advice for your climate right at your fingertips!

Design Tips • EXPERT ADVICE ON GARDENING

Super Cool Plants • FIND OUT WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE GROWING

PERFECT PLANTS

Shining in the SHADE • These exciting variegated options will make you glad you don’t have more sun

WATCH OUT FOR REVERSIONS

8 GREAT SHRUBS for SHADE • When full sun isn’t an option, use these hardworking plants to add color, fragrance, and year-round structure

Planting under trees

EPIMEDIUMS WHAT YOUR SHADE GARDEN IS MISSING • Whether you need a star that shines or have a gap to fill, these nine beauties fit the bill

WHAT EPIMEDIUMS NEED

Anatomy of an epimedium f lower

SURPRISING PLANTS FOR SHADE • If your idea of something interesting is a variegated hosta, these options may change your thinking

Looking for uncommon shade plants? Try the natives section

CONIFERS FOR SHADE • Who knew there were any? And who knew they could be this cool?

Balance size and accentuate colors

Let the light shine through

DESIGN IDEAS

A DEER-PROOF DESIGN FOR SHADE • Thoughtful plant partnerships and hardscaping make the most of tricky conditions

A map for proper placement

Breaking down the planting plan

How to condition dry, compacted soil • In extreme conditions such as these, it’s important to improve the soil as best you can. Here’s what I did in this particular garden to enhance the environment where the plants eventually were located.

CONTINUOUS COLOR IN THE SHADE • This inspiring plan starts with a framework of reliable performers

Picks for partial shade • Here are some of the signature plants that thrive in the moist, well-drained soil and dappled sunlight of Mary’s garden.

Make Your Really Shine SHADE •  The secret is using three key colors to pump up the interest in low-light spots

You’re going to LOVE YOUR SHADE • Transform any dim spot into the highlight of your garden with these bright ideas

Out-of-the-ordinary CONTAINERS FOR SHADE • Try these unique textures and colors for pots that really shine

Don’t underestimate the importance of airf low

DRY SHADE DONE SIMPLY • Streamlining your plant palette and layering your design can transform an area of extreme root competition

Dry shade doesn’t have to ruin the party

NORTHWEST

SOUTHWEST

SOUTHERN PLAINS

NORTHERN PLAINS

MIDWEST

SOUTH

NORTHEAST

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE • Here is a handy guide to help you pronounce the botanical names in this issue.

THE USDA PLANT HARDINESS ZONE MAP

CAPTIVATING COMBINATION