Add A Pop Of Color To Your Shade Garden

There is always that one spot in my yard that is lacking a pop of color. The shade garden. It seems to be missing vibrance and variety. When I go shopping, I tend to find many perennials that favor sun. I decided to make a big push to change it up this year and spend some time sprucing up those shady areas. With a little research, it is possible to add continuous color and contrast to any spot thanks to Monrovia!

The first important step to planning out your shade garden is considering what plants perform best in your climate. Try to add in both annuals and perennials. Annuals can be very unique and eye catching. Even though they only last a year, they can really fill in those gaps of space you may have.

With perennials, look to add plants with different heights, textures and bloom times. This way, you will have continuous color and interest all season long.  Make sure after planting perennials you label that area. You don't want to accidentally disturb that spot when the plant isn't in bloom. Keep all of this in mind before you take your shovel out.

To get some inspiration, I visited Monrovia's online store. The options are endless, and they offer free shipping to your local garden center. You can type in your zip code, and Monrovia will show you all of the plants that will grow best in your area. With my plan in hand, I was ready to start shopping!

I decided to add some Belarina Nectarine Primrose, Belarina Valentine Primrose, and some Touch of Class Jacob's Ladder. These are all perfect plants to add a pop of color to your springtime garden. They are all shade loving perennials. I have one spot right on the edge of my garden that receives full sun, so I decided to add two Maché Ranunculus. You can purchase Monrovia plants for your garden online or at your local Lowe's. 

Belarina Nectarine Primrose
This plant is perfect for any shade garden that receives partial sun. My garden gets some sun in the morning. It features double flowers and rich blooms. It is outstanding in beds, borders, containers and window boxes. This plant will stun as it blooms throughout the season.

-Light: Partial Sun
-Watering: Semi-moist
-Zone: 5-9
-Height: 6-12"

Belarina Valentine Primrose
This plant is perfect for any shade garden that receives partial sun. It features double flowers and rich blooms. It is outstanding in beds, borders, containers and window boxes. This plant will stun as it blooms throughout the season.

-Light: Partial Sun
-Watering: Semi-moist
-Zone: 5-9
-Height: 6-12"

Touch Of Class Jacob's Ladder
This plant is great for any full shade garden. It features lovely lacy blue flowers and variegated green and white foliage. It  works well in perennial borders. This plant blooms from early to mid-summer and is deer resistant.

-Light: Full Shade
-Watering: Average Water
-Zone: 3-7
-Height: 14"

When planting in your garden, it's always best to add new and healthy soil. I purchased a fresh bag of garden soil, along with some peat moss. I add peat moss to help my dry soil hold moisture. When you start digging in New England soil, you will notice instantly it's rocky and dry. Depending on where you are gardening, try to add whatever your soil is lacking. It helps flowers transition from the pot to the bed when they have the nutrients they need.

When I'm gardening, I like to make a day out of it. I do a little cleaning, and I do a little prepping picking out the perfect spot. Listening to the birds chirping around me and smelling the freshly tilled soil makes me feel at ease. With the sun warming my skin, I really love being outside just enjoying nature. Just adding in a few of Monrovia's vibrant plants makes me envision how full and lush my garden will become over time this season.

Make sure to dig your holes 2 times the width of the pot. Drop your plant into the ground, and backfill with your recently purchased soil. Water in your new plants and mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.