Thursday, July 30, 2015

A Shady Place... My Favorite Space!



Often people are self-proclaimed SUN LOVERS, although some are SHADE LOVERS.  Plants might be sun lovers or shade lovers.   Most people and plants will thrive with some sunshine and some shade; many have a definite preference.   But during the warmest days of July and August… a shady place is MY favorite space!

During a recent visit to a nearby botanical garden, I photographed a tiny haven of vibrant shade-loving plants nestled below a clump of birch trees.  The foliage of ferns and caladium, begonias and heuchera offered a delightful scene, with dappled light providing twinkling highlights.   
It was a peaceful, serene place… this is where I wish to spend a toasty summer day!


With the numerous varieties of ferns and caladium, begonias and heuchera available, this scene could be altered by changing to different cultivars of each of these plants.   

Although I appreciate the versatility of the colorful cultivars shown here, there are so many more that I love, and as a Horticulturist, this is what I do:  I LOVE PLANTS!  (both shade lovers AND sun lovers!)

When a summer day offers only oppressive heat and humidity, find a nearby shady place and make it YOUR favorite space!

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture