Shade Garden Challenges and Joys

Gardening in shady areas can be challenging, especially if you want a succession of blooms and interesting foliage in all seasons, spring through fall. However, there are many perennials, shrubs, ground covers and bulbs that bring color and texture to shade beds, even in difficult dry shade. Using plants from my own shade gardens and my experiences with changing light conditions, I’ll share ideas about perennial shade plants that do well, tips for growing successful shady beds, and information gathered from various shade gardening experts’ writings. Transform your sulking shade gardens into places of joy, beauty and abundance.

Sue Motulsky is a Professor in Counseling and Psychology at Lesley University, teaching master’s clinical mental health counselors and doctoral students. Sue’s doctorate is in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard and her master’s degrees are in Culture, Gender and Relational Development and in English Literature. She moved to Maynard over 20 years ago and is a self-taught but avid gardener focusing on shrubs, bulbs and perennials.