Winter, generally speaking, is not a gardener’s friend. However, I must admit, when the first frosts hit—or even a dusting of snow—the effect on my garden is magical. It’s something that here in New England I look forward to each year. The way the plants seem like they’ve been sprinkled with the finest iridescent glitter is a sight that sustains me throughout the coming months of dark dreariness.
Perhaps that’s why I love silver variegated plants so much. Their ability to replicate that early winter magic—year round—is so alluring. And when you put that trait into a plant that thrives in the dark and sometimes dreary shade, it’s even better. Regrettably, I only have a scant few silver variegated shade plants. But after reading Frank Fitzgerald’s article Silver in the Shade in our most recent issue, my spring shopping list grew exponentially. Among his suggestions is ‘Sea Heart’ brunnera, a newer cultivar known for being a more vigorous plant than the better known ‘Jack Frost’ brunnera. And while that alone would warrant its place on my shopping list, ‘Sea Heart’ also tolerates heat and humidity quite well, meaning its sparkling silver-green leaves won’t crisp up like my other brunneras in summer.
As I type this letter, I’m staring out the window at a light snow falling on my garden, and it’s lending the evergreens a silver sparkle. Watching this happen is giving me even more justification for adding many more silver variegated plants to my landscape in spring—and if my husband questions the massive charge at the nursery, I’ll simply tell him you can’t put a price on magic.
—Danielle Sherry, executive editor
More articles on great plants for shade:
Truly Tough Shade Plants
3 Ways to Use Silver to Brighten Your Shade Garden
Best Variegated Plants for Shade for Your Region
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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.
The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition
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Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library.
Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design
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Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical.
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