Question
Hi Laura,
I live in northern Iowa(zone3/4) and have an area on the side of the house that is 100% shade. What can I use for plantings. I would like to put in some colorful bushes and ground cover to work with the Hosta that are already there.
I also love English gardens and am wondering if I can do them up here in my zone?
Thank you
Dave

Answer
Dave,
Here are some links to check out for your shady spot in Iowa and I will also give you sources at the end of this answer:

http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1996/3-1-1996/flow.html

http://landscaping.about.com/od/plantsforshadyareas/

http://www.backyardgardener.com/shade/index.html

http://home.clara.net/tmac/urgring/faqshade.htm

Sources:Shady Oaks Nursery,Thompson & Morgan
Seeds,White Flower Farm, Van
Bourgondien Bulbs and Perennials,Jackson
& Perkins,Bailey Nurseries,Imperial Nurseries,
Bluestone Perennials,Musser Forest,Spring Meadow Nursery,Willoway Nurseries,Greenleaf Nurseries