Be sure to choose plants that love shade, and pay attention to the kind of shade the plants prefer. Remember some plants do well in light shade, while others thrive in partial or full shade. In shade gardens, the emphasis is on foliage due to the limited number of plants that flower in the shade. Plan your garden around contrasting foliage and textures instead of flowering plants. A good way to brighten a shady area is to use variegated foliage.
Plants are available in a range of shades and varieties.
Start your garden by selecting shrubs that do well in shade. Next add perennials. Available in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures, ferns and hostas are perennials and shade garden staples. When you choose your perennials, try to include plants that flower in spring, summer, and fall. Once the shrubs and perennials are in place, think about adding bulbs to your garden.