• Light shade: Areas with light shade are basically bright but may be blocked from the sun for several hours during the day. They may also receive all-day dappled sunshine filtered through mature trees or hardscaping, such as a pergola.
• Partial or medium shade: This classification refers to areas that do not receive direct sunlight for most of the day, perhaps only very early or late in the day.
• Full shade: These areas receive no direct sunlight at any time.

• An area that receives full light when the summertime sun is high may get only partial sun in the spring or fall. Pay close attention to these seasonal patterns.
• As trees and plants mature, they may shade the plants beneath them that once received full light. Most will adapt to the change, but selective pruning can help provide filtered light. For step-by-step instructions, read Tips for Pruning the Top 10 Shrubs.
• Available light can be increased by the reflection of a nearby light-colored wall or fence.

Moisture takes longer to evaporate in low-lying areas where direct sunlight doesn’t warm the soil. To avoid algae and weed growth, care should be taken to ensure proper grading and drainage. Consider installing a drain field—a layer of rock beneath the soil—if needed. Adding ground covers such as jasmine minima or pothos can help absorb excess moisture.

Some shady areas under decks, patios or mature shade trees may dry out faster. The extensive roots of a larger tree can soak up all of the available moisture and nutrients, leaving little sustenance for underplantings. Cut down on the competition by planting drought-tolerant plants beneath trees and adjust your irrigation system accordingly.

• Most shade plants offer only slight variations in color, but contrast and texture can have a dramatic effect.
• In warmer climates, monstera adds tropical undertones with broad, glossy, heart-shaped leaves.
• In northern regions, nearly 3,000 varieties of hostas offer infinite broad-leafed options, from deep green to gold.
• The delicate feather-like fronds of woodland ferns can thrive in any region.
• White or pastel blooms add contrast in dark shaded areas. In the South, try angel-wing begonias and New Guinea impatiens, or in more seasonal climates ladies’ mantle (Alchemilla) and flowering tobacco (Nicotiana).
• In shady woodland gardens with enough moisture and partial to full shade, a blanket of fragrant sweet woodruff (Galium) adds vibrant-green pinwheel-shaped leaves and delicate white blooms.
• In areas with partial shade and dry soil, try forget-me-nots (Myosotis), foxgloves (Digitalis), impatiens, pansies (Viola) and sweet alyssum (Lobularia). Visit your local The Home Depot to find the best selection for your region.