I'm loving all the pictures! Here are a couple that I got from Ella as little plugs. They've done very well in our southern heat. The one at the bottom is Sweet Tea.

Heuchera, I mean...Y'all knew that, lol!

Bev

Sweet Tea is so pretty! I got one too, but I am not sure if it is going to make it.

I hope it does, Carolyn. Those are in a spot that doesn't get a lot of attention, so Sweet Tea gets my vote for dependable.

I just love it! Thank you so much for posting your pictures.

some snaps of my back gardens...

pretty in the morning sun, a couple of Midnight Rose, amongst the Hostas

Very pretty Kay. The dark Midnight Rose is a great contract with the hostas - really makes them pop. I just love Midnight Rose - the pink spots on the leaves are so unusual.

Kay

Your gardens are gorgeous! Looks like the type of place that I could take a relaxing walk through with my morning coffee.

Thank you girls! I like to go out in the morning to see everybody :smily:I have to remember to get dressed first! My camera just doesn't really do justice to how pretty it is. I sometimes stare out the window, and just marvel at the beauty.

Kay

I have the same problem -

Bev - I just love Sweet Tea. I bought 2 this spring and am still trying to find the right place and companion for them. I'm moving a bunch of stuff around and just can't decide! I really hope yours makes it Carolyn. This plant has such a variety of colors to it and have found that it does like some sun. Too much shade and it goes green.

Kay, your gardens are really lovely and it seems you have quite a bit of shade. I used to think I was cursed with all the shade I have, I always wanted everything for sun. Now, I'm loving the shade and can't get enough Heuchera!

Thanks Cheryl. I think that technically it's a heucherella (?). I hope you find their 'sweet spot', lol! I've added some irrigation to the area where they're planted since the neighbors removed all of their trees and increased the sun in that area significantly. I'll get them back, though...I planted variegated porcelain vine on the fence...

I have an Ampelopsis ( Porcelin Berry vine) on a tuteur and fence to help screen . The birds just love those berries in the late summer and fall. I prune it every spring to keep it growing where I want it.

Thanks Kay for posting the vine picture. Mine is just getting started, but hope it gets nice and lush like yours. I won't mind pruning on my side, but... Your gardens are lovely, btw:)

Thanks! I read about Ampelopsis being hated for being very invasive, but it isn't here. Must be the cold winters that keep it in check... And my diligent pruning.
I really do like gardening in the shade. People are always surprised at how many beautiful plants can thrive there. We have huge, mature Austrian Pines, a big Sycamore, two big old Crabapples, a Maple...not to mention the neighbor's Ash and a Silver Maple. I am fasinated by all the Heuchera colors , and I am still trying to squish more of them into the beds

Kay

I had my husband limb up some of my Rose of Sharon so I could put in new heucheras. I also found they do well under some of my smaller trees and lilacs. Anywhere I can create the needed shade...

Kay - Here too Porcelain Vine stays in bounds due to our winters. My friend (and neighbor) has one growing on her privacy fency. I love the beautiful berries. You really do have great shade gardens.

Carolyn - That's what I've begun to do too. I'm thinking they should do fine underplanted under some shrubs. The only problem I may have is that I only have about 7" of "good soil" then clay underneath. In some areas the shrubs compete for root area. I have 3 Tardiva Hydrangea planted too close together (but I sure ain't moving them!) and the roots are to the top of the soil. I think I can fit a big hosta under there though in the center.

Always room for one more! At least that's my story...:))

Cheryl

I have been looking for more of my shrubs to limb up as I am running out of room.

Bev - I agree - that is my story and I am sticking to it!