A. Understory trees and shrubs provide screening without blocking light

The lovely, light green Japanese maples underneath a towering Douglas fir provide filtered screening to the house without obscuring it or blocking light into the upper windows. An unusual Kiwi Gem™ shrub panax provides a lush, tall, evergreen element. This shade plant resents stiff winds or frost. The tall canopy of large trees gives it the shelter that it needs to flourish. Together the Kiwi Gem™ shrub panax and a ‘Purple Gem’ rhododendron block a utility area with a large, unsightly propane tank.

B. Blended hardscaping and spilling fillers soften the concrete entryway

Concrete in an entryway can be very harsh and unnatural. Using ledgestone in colors similar to that of the concrete helps blend it into the garden. ‘Lemon Daddy’ hydrangea springs up behind three-leaved stonecrop planted next to the ledgestone. A combination of epimedium and more three-leaved stonecrop planted in the bed opposite adds to the softening effect. These plants also hold the soil in place so it doesn’t spill into the pathway during wind or rainstorms.

C. Bright, contrasting colors delineate the bed from the driveway

A swath of ‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass, three-leaved stonecrop, and epimedium defines the edge of the driveway. These plants offer a bright spot of color in which to sit a spiraling red-and-yellow sculpture. A large katsura tree towers above the scene. The interplay of fall color between the katsura and the ‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass is amazing!

Key players

1. Three-leaved stonecrop (Sedum ternatum, Zones 4–8)

2. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum and cvs., Zones 5–8)

3. Kiwi Gem™ shrub panax (Pseudopanax laetus, Zones 7–9)

4. ‘Purple Gem’ rhododendron (Rhododendron ‘Purple Gem’, Zones 4–8)

5. Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Zones 4–8)

6. Epimedium (Epimedium cv., Zones 3–8)

7. ‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, Zones 5–9)

8. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Zones 4–7)

9. ‘Lemon Daddy’ hydrangea (Hydrangea ‘Lemon Daddy’, Zones 6–9)

Susan Calhoun is the owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

View more on dry shade

A Deer-Proof Garden Design for Dry Shade

Dry Shade Done Simply

Dealing with Dry Shade

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

With a built-in 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery, this little guy weighs less than 2 lb. and can zip through all your minor pruning tasks quickly and easily.
- 13.5 x 3 x 5 inches
- Uses a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery; Includes a fast charger

Buy at Amazon

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

Buy at Amazon

DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm
- DW4856 Metal/Woodcutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Set, 6-Piece

Buy at Amazon