Lifestyles Editor

I was surveying our yard recently and checking my list of flowers and plants to purchase.

We have a tree line between our property and our neighbors where we started clearing the underbrush last fall. In doing this, we were able to open an area that I have decided can be a shade garden.

The area is small, approximately 10 x 12 feet, but I have a wooden bench that will fit nicely in there. I also decided that I would like to plant several different varieties of hostas as well as placing my hydrangea bushes on each side of the entrance. Hydrangeas like partial shade, and this also allows for the blooms to stay a richer color longer.

Hosta's do well when not in full sun.

This particular area will have early to mid-day sun and then partial to full shade for the remainder of the day. I would also like to plant a ground cover that has a vibrant color in this area. This idea had me searching my garden catalogs.

Old time favorites such as impatients, petunias and pansies are easy to pick up and grow, but I would really like to have a few blooms that are not so commonly found in our area. One company's choices are great, and the prices range from $5.95 for 1 bare root or plug, in the case of ground covers, to as little as $1.95. Some choices come in seed of course. They range from $1.95 to $3.95 packet.

In choosing a ground cover, I found two different types. One is called Walk-On-Me, (Thymus p. 'Coccineus'). It is a creeping thyme that grows only 3 inches tall. During summer it has a crimson covering of flowers and an aromatic smell of fresh thyme. It also says it spreads rapidly. The other is called the Gold Nugget Ice Plant,

(Delosperma congestum). It has yellow daisy like flowers in the summer with leaves that turn bright red in the winter. It grows 2 inches tall and attracts butterflies. You plant the plugs 15-30 inches apart and it spreads well. It also says it is drought and deer resistant. Since we are in a severe drought, this particular choice may be the better. I also live in an area that deer frequently visit.

When it comes to hosta's, there are many different types, although only the most common, such as White Edge or Standard, are usually found for purchase in home and garden centers. The Golden Green is one of the most colorful Hosta's. It produces a mauve colored flower in August. The Regal Blue has a large leaf, grows fast and produces pale lavender flowers in late summer. The Green & White, Majestic and White Scalloped all have different characteristics from each other and blend well. The giant Hosta's can grow up to 3 feet tall and 7 feet wide.

These do need a good fertilizer and frequent watering to reach their full potential. There are many different types of shade garden choices. If you have a sloping bank, a dwarf ground juniper spreads and holds the soil well to prevent erosion. For rocky terrain's, try plants like Irish Moss, Phlox and Creeping Red Sedum. For borders, you might want to try Periwinkle. It stays green all year and produces blue flowers in the spring. English lavender is lovely as a border along walkways. Lavender grows up to 3 feet and adds a wonderful fragrance from June until Autumn.

Last year I was unable to find a Mosquito Plant, (Pelargonium citrosum). I purchase at least one of these each year to plant around our outdoor seating area. These can also be potted and brought in during the winter. I have found them to work well for repelling mosquitoes in a small area. (I also use those citronella incense garden sticks you put in the ground.)

Now that we are getting hints of warmer spring weather, my fingers are getting itchy to get in the dirt. I can't wait to plant flowers that will produce vibrant colors throughout the summer. As always, send in your favorite gardening advice to The Tribune, PO Box 1009, Elkin, NC 28621 or to lifestyles@elkintribune.com. Until next time, Green Gardening to You.