Begonias grow easily from cuttings. Root pieces in water or damp sand to increase your stock. Landscape architect Karen Dominguez Brann offers suggestions for a shady garden on a busy street. Her first recommendation is to amend the soil with planter mix, a combination of redwood bark and compost that adds nutrients and improves the soil's tilth. Incorporate amendments with a shovel or a tiller.
Good structure is crucial to an effective garden design.
Plants are added according to height, shape and bloom color. In shady areas, white-flowered plants are used to add brightness. Hardy only to Zone 8, sweet bay may be grown in containers in cold climates so that it can be moved to a protected area in winter. It requires partial shade in hot summer areas and well-drained soil. It produces clusters of fragrant flowers in summer.