Success in the shade

Plant shade-tolerant plants in autumn or early spring so they establish before trees steal the summer moisture.

Leaves of deciduous trees can be placed around the base of the plants to act as a natural mulch. But beware: some trees, including walnut, have allelopathic effects that inhibit other plants’ growth, and should be avoided.

For a natural look and feel, mix evergreen and deciduous ferns into shadetolerant planting.

Check soil pH near or under conifers. Needle fall will acidify the soil and you’ll need to either correct it to allow woodland plants to thrive, or choose acid-lovers.

Japanese and Asian autumn-flowering woodlanders will prefer the more moist soil on the north side of a wall or structure.