Made in the Shade: How to Turn Your Yard’s "Dark Side" into a Jungle

Hello neighbors, Jeremy Klice here.

We all have that one spot in the yard. Maybe it’s the north side of the house where the sun has apparently been banned by a homeowner's association covenant. Or maybe it’s under that massive maple tree where you’ve tried to grow grass three times, and the grass has politely responded by dying immediately.

In Jamestown, our humid summers can make these shady corners feel a bit like a steam room. But here is the good news: while your lawn hates the dark, humid corners, some of the coolest plants on earth absolutely love them.

Stop fighting the shade and embrace the jungle. Here are my top picks for Zone 6 shade gardens that actually enjoy our humid weather.

The "Reliable Roommates"

These three plants are the backbone of any Jamestown shade garden. They show up, they look good, and they don't complain.

1. Hosta: The King of Foliage If shade gardens had a mascot, it would be the Hosta. They are famously easy to grow and come in thousands of varieties, ranging from tiny teacup sizes to massive monsters with leaves spanning four feet. They provide lush, textured foliage that loves our Zone 6 climate.

• Warning: Deer think Hostas are a salad bar. If Bambi is a frequent visitor, we might need a backup plan.

2. Bleeding Heart: The Early Riser This is pure nostalgia. Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) produce those classic pink, red, or white heart-shaped flowers that dangle in rows along arching stems. They bloom in early spring to give you color right when you need it.

• Fun Fact: They are the "ghosts" of the garden. After blooming, they often go dormant and disappear entirely in the summer heat, only to magically return next spring. Don't panic; they aren't dead, they’re just napping.

3. Astilbe: The Feathery Showoff If you want texture, you want Astilbe. They produce tall, feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white that look soft enough to pet. Unlike some plants that rot in humidity, Astilbe thrives in moist soil. In fact, the only way to kill them is to let them dry out, so they love our sticky July weather.

The "Year-Round" Color: Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Who says shade has to be green? Coral Bells are grown for their leaves, which come in an insane variety of colors—deep burgundy, caramel, purple, and even shocking lime green. While other perennials turn into mush after the first frost, Coral Bells are semi-evergreen. Their colorful foliage often persists well into the cooler months, keeping your garden looking sharp long after the snow flies.

The "Expert" Tip: Not All Shade is Created Equal

Here is where most people mess up. They think "Shade" = "Wet." That’s true on the north side of your house. But if your shade comes from a giant tree, you actually have Dry Shade. That big tree acts like a giant umbrella blocking the rain, and its massive roots drink up all the groundwater, leaving nothing for the little guys.

If you plant a thirsty Astilbe under a Maple tree, it will be crispy by August.

The Solution? Barrenwort (Epimedium) It has a terrible name, but it’s an incredible plant. Barrenwort (also called Fairy Wings) is tough as nails. It is one of the few plants that thrives in dry shade where tree roots compete for water. It has delicate, heart-shaped leaves and dainty flowers, but don't let the looks fool you—it is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

Stop staring at that patch of dirt under your tree and let’s get something growing there.

- Jeremy🤙