Shade Garden Plan: Thriving Perennials for Cool, Shady Areas

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Here's a garden that will thrive in the cool shade of mature trees—a difficult situation where lawns languish. Perennials chosen for progression of flower colors from spring through fall. Pink and lavender predominate, with touches of silver, white, pale yellow, and chalky blue foliage. Foliage alone creates a pleasing composition: bold leaves contrasted with fine, lacy textures and bright leaf patterns. Four varieties of spring-blooming bulbs at bottom of plant list are optional—they bloom before perennials for an earlier start.

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