Selecting native plantsĪs with any type of garden you must take growing conditions (moisture, soil texture, pH, deer) into consideration. The Virginia bluebells, shown above, are naturally found in floodplains, but are quite happy in the dry shade garden. In ecology there are exceptions to almost every rule and this is one. ![]() ![]() You might prefer to plant species you saw on the hilltop instead, to have a lower maintenance landscape, and settle for a look that’s a little less lush. If you purchase and plant these species in dry shade in your home landscape, you may need to irrigate to get the same lush appearance you saw in nature. Many trees, shrubs, and perennials are adapted to higher moisture levels. You’ll probably notice that there is a lot more vegetation in the valley. Pay particular attention to what grows on hilltops vs. If you live near a park that controls deer overpopulation and removes invasive plants, go there to see what kind of native plants occur naturally in the woods near you. The layering of canopy, understory, shrub, and herbaceous species, underlain by leaf litter, provides habitat for the insects and birds that call the Eastern Deciduous Forest home. ![]() Research shows that this helps to support insect and songbird biodiversity. One aspect of native gardening that is unique to shade gardens is the opportunity to mimic the natural structure of a forest. Recent research suggests that if biodiversity is your motive, you’d do well to use at least 80% natives by cover, rather than just planting a few. You can support plant biodiversity as well as pollinators and songbirds by planting locally native plants in your shade garden. How to select and care for shade-loving native plants Planning your native garden
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