How to Design a Shade Perennial Garden

Measure the area where you wish to plant your garden. Pay close attention to shape, proximity to trees and buildings, and depth of roots and utility lines.

Make a rough sketch of the area. You may wish to take a trip to the garden center in order to see which plants are available for your hardiness zone. Tell them you are looking for partial to full-shade plants and see what they have available. Afterward, look at the sketch and decide which plants you want in your garden and where you will plant them. Plant tall grasses and flowers toward the back of the garden.

Dig up the sod in your garden, removing the grass completely. Sprinkle weed killer and water the ground thoroughly. Let that sit for a day.

Add topsoil to cover the area. Spread evenly and mix well with the ground beneath. Water again to help establish the garden.

Lay out your garden plan on the ground using twine and wooden stakes to mark the boundaries of each section. Refer to your sketch for rough dimensions.

Purchase and plant your perennials according to your sketch. Pay close attention to the spacing the plants require. Using the watering can, drench each plant as you plant it. Water each section as you complete it using the hose and spray nozzle.