Since I don't (currently) have any shade gardens, all I can do is encourage you (called enabling, you know!), and try not to turn green with envy.

Show me your favorite shady spot and tell me what's growing there.

Shade is hard to come by in Arizona. Takes planning, planting and patience before we can have our shade. Or, we create a pergola or some sort of shade structure. My favorite part of my small garden is my Japanese Maple planted in the ground. I think it's unusual to find a JP in the ground here. I have seen just one other tree in 17 years. This was given to me 4 years ago, it's been in the ground for 2 and receives just about 2 hrs of early morning sunlight. In the summer that early morning sunlight can bring 90 degree temps.

I'm working on it Trish. Just been busy doing handyman stuff around the house!

August 20 2009 of the area to become my woodland garden


June 3 2010 between the pine trees in the first pic


Yes, this was all accomplished in about 9 months. A friend helped me some with picking up the rocks in the woods behind the house but all the rock laying, planting, mulching etc was done by me alone.

Doug

Doug- that is incredible! I'm a little jealous that all of that rock is right there waiting to be harvested!

I can't wait to see that garden mature!

You're not the only one with "rock envy" ! RCN48 still takes me to task over it! Has she jumped over here yet?

Nope- I haven't seen her yet. You should nudge her

Doug very nice should be impressive when it fills in. I can see some hosta and ferns , what else have you planted in your new garden?

Love your shade garden site, Doug. So envious, and I really, really try not to do envy.

Bob, hydrangeas both (macrophylla & quercifolia), viburnums, calycanthus, rhododendron, azalea, dogwood, japanese maple, hemlock, beautyberry, holly, redbud, mountain laurel, for trees/shrubs. Heuchera, hellebore, brunnera, ligularia, pulmonaria, clematis, multiple ferns and hostas, bleeding hearts, sedum, for foliage/flowers. And a BUNCH of natives: bloodroot, VA bluebells, dwarf crested iris, celandine poppies, ginger, mayapple, solomon's seals, monarda, and probably many more I can't think of at the moment.

Doug

Beautiful shade room, Susie. I've lost 2 Japanese maples to the summer sun here.

Nice work, Doug.

Tee.
I feel that I somehow lucked out. The JM was given to me about 3 1/2 yrs ago. I kept it in pots at least 1 1/2 yrs mostly indoors during severe weather (cold or hot) ... Still potted I put it in the garden in early morning shade and it did fine. I moved it to even more dense, yet early morning shade and it did fine. Planted it into the ground and it's done very well. DEEP water.

GardenGuyAZ, Alan, here in Chandler AZ has just purchased a variegated variety and plans to treat his the same, slowly introduce it to it's permanent home.

Good tip, Susie! I think that's what I'll have to do. Like Tee, I've lost 2 this past year.

I don't suppose I could talk you (and Alan!!) into some seeds?

My last one was a bare root someone gave me. It did well but I believe it got too much sun ... can't take mid-day sun here in the Summer. Next one will go in a more sheltered location for sure.

Seeds, yes, Trish! I don't think I've seen any yet but will keep an eye out for them. I'll bring this thread to Alan's attention and see if he has any input. I think he's had his JP for only about 2-3 weeks, however.

I believe they seed in the spring, just like regular maples. (do you have those in AZ??)

Many years ago, Dave and I grew bunches and bunches from seed- it was pretty fun! Of course, they aren't as wonderful as the named varieties, but many (most?) retain at least some if not most of the attributes of the mother plant.

Trish is there any kind of JM seeds you are looking for in particular or just from any kind. I have seeds on my Paperbark-Palm Leaf-Blood Good-Fern Leaf-Coral Bark & Miniature JM's.I don't know if any of these kind will survive in TX. Would be happy to send some seeds if you want to try them.Just let me know where to send them.

Bob- I don't know if they would either, but I'm always up for a challenge if are willing to send them!
I'll pay for shipping

To tell you the truth, Trish, my JP that Barb (Runs_With_Scissors aka FishKnees) gave to me is the only JP I've seen in AZ. I'm sure there are others but I just haven't run across them. I'm thinking MAYBE Rodica has one but can't remember. She has one of just about everything.

I'll look for seeds. At least we know this thing stays healthy at 9a with freezing winters and 115 degrees days in summer and 7% humidity to Rain. Odd ball!

I'm impressed, to say the least!

No seeds here yet, mine is just a sapling, only about 2-1/2, 3 feet tall. If I get some I'll send them to you though :)

alan