How to Landscape for Damp Shade

Observe the landscape for 24 hours and take note of the lighting conditions. There are many different types of shade. Fully shaded areas receive no sunlight at all, while partially-shaded areas receive sunlight for four to six hours a day, and lightly-shaded areas receive some sun, or dappled light, light all day long. Open shade is found on the north side of many buildings. Openly shaded areas are often damp and frequently receive no direct light; however, sunlight may be reflected onto plants by the surrounding walls.

Fill fully shaded, damp spaces with an assortment of ferns or robust ground covers, such as bugleweed, wild ginger or English ivy. In nature, these vigorous plants flourish in shady, cool, moist conditions; in the garden, the contrasting colors and textures can be used to add excitement and drama to formerly bare spaces.

Install hostas, bleeding hearts, Bethlehem sage and bugbane in partially shaded areas. These hardy perennials enhance the visual appeal of any setting, but the combination of variegated leaves and colorful blooms works particularly well when brightening up dimly lit areas.

Plant jewelweed, begonias, pansies, impatiens, coleus and sweet alyssum in lightly shaded areas. Even without the benefit of full sun, these colorful annuals will produce carpets of carefree flowers and foliage from spring until the first frost of fall.

Paint the walls of open-shade areas a light-reflecting color, such as white or pale yellow, then fill the surrounding space with shade-tolerant, moisture-loving shrubs, such as leather leaf viburnum, yew, hemlock or Japanese skimmia. These broad-leaf evergreens naturalize shady sites while adding year-round color to the landscape.