Growing in the Shade and Under the Trees

 I was used to gardening with lots of sun and a few partially shaded areas. Then we moved to the woods od West Michigan. Surrounded by oaks, maples, various pines and small under story trees. Getting sunlight in many places only from ten in the morning tp three in the afternoon meant I had to adapt to new gardening techniques and plants. 

Thankfully the gardener before me had the foresight to plant many plants that would like the shady moist woodland. Using her plant choices and researching new plants has resulted in a more colorful garden palette. 

Also, I have learned to select plants that are claimed to be deer resistant, which means that they won't eat them  not true if they are really hungry). I have learned to use cayenne pepper, garlic oil, castor oil and many other products that result in smells or tastes critters don't enjoy. No guarantee here either, but worth the effort.

Here are few photos of late May and early June blooms and plants of interest. Hope yo enjoy a short walk through the garden.

Starting at the front entrance walk, a section of the garden that gets some sun, we can see the wonderful colors of rhododendron.

Front entrance and walkway.

 

 

Rhododendrons were exceptional this year.

 

 

 

The red rhododendron is so vibrant.

The multi flowered blossoms are so delightful.

The Acer and rhododendron surround the water splash pond,

 

As we move around the garden we come upon some unusual plants natural to our woods. Though not necessarily beautiful they are intriguing

 

 

Not sure what this is but it appears in various parts of the woods and garden areas.

 

 

 

This strange little item is Squawroot it is a plant with no chlorophyll