Making the Most of Shade: How to Plan, Plant, and Grow a Fabulous Garden that Lightens up the Shadows (Paperback)

~ (Author) "When it begins to dawn on you that your garden might be on the shady side, don't panic..." (more)
Key Phrases: variegated orchard grass, seasonal hedge, hardiness zones, Soil Preference, Light Preference, Bloom Color (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gardeners who weed, plant, and prune under the sun's beneficial rays may think they have it "made in the shade" when it comes to horticultural variety, but there's a downside to all that versatility, according to Hodgson. Those who garden, figuratively speaking, where the sun don't shine, have less weeds, watering, and other bothersome maintenance than their full-sun compatriots. Sharing his considerable expertise throughout this comprehensive guide, Hodgson entertainingly educates both novice and seasoned gardeners about the myriad merits of shade gardening. From cultural considerations to design decisions, Hodgson covers those relevant topics necessary to transform dark garden corners into radiant exhibitions of texture and color. Hundreds of popular and lesser-known perennials, annuals, bulbs, vines, and grasses are profiled in-depth, their inclusion based on decades of Hodgson's personal and professional experience. With informative special features, helpful at-a-glance tips, and lots of color photographs, Hodgson's enlightening guide is a ray of sunshine for shade gardeners. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

Booklist

May 1, 2005

 

Gardeners who weed, plant, and prune under the sun’s beneficial rays may think they have it "made in the shade" when it comes to horticultural variety, but there’s a downside to all that versatility, according to Hodgson. Those who garden, figuratively speaking, where the sun don’t shine, have less weeds, watering, and other bothersome maintenance than their full-sun compatriots. Sharing his considerable expertise throughout this comprehensive guide, Hodgson entertainingly educates both novice and seasoned gardeners about the myriad merits of shade gardening. From cultural considerations to design decisions, Hodgson covers those relevant topics necessary to transform dark garden corners into radiant exhibitions of texture and color. Hundreds of popular and lesser-known perennials, annuals, bulbs, vines, and grasses are profiled in-depth, their inclusion based on decades of Hodgson’s personal and professional experience. With informative special features, helpful at-a-glance tips, and lots of color photographs, Hodgson’s enlightening guide is a ray of sunshine for shade gardeners. -Carol Haggas

 

Library Journal - June 1

Shade-a welcome retreat for gardeners who want to escape the heat on a hot day or a curse for those who want to grow lots of colorful flowers? Hodgson (Perennials for Every Purpose) here discusses varying degrees of shade and their advantages and disadvantages, revealing that plenty of shade does not exclude one from having a lush and beautiful garden. For gardeners who want more shade, he offers detailed lists of the top shade trees and shrubs; the book's second half features nearly 300 shade-loving plants (perennials, annuals, climbing vines, and more), plus detailed information on growing, top performers and varieties, and problem solving. Design tips on how to combine colors and textures as well as a presentation of five garden plans in various themes (Japanese, Victorian, Native, Textured, and Annual) keep gardens looking bright and beautiful. Most helpful is Hodgson's chapter on how to cope with problems like root competition from trees, growing plants in dry or moist shade, and what to do when your neighbor or a storm knocks down the tree that is your shade source. Along with George Schenk's The Complete Shade Gardener, this is an excellent addition for public libraries.-Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama Lib., Florence

 

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Product Details Paperback: 380 pages Publisher: Rodale Books (April 21, 2005) Language: English ISBN-10: 1579549675 ISBN-13: 978-1579549671 Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,957 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in these categories: (What's this?) #2 in  Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > Shade #68 in  Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > Landscape

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Inside This Book (learn more)

First Sentence:
When it begins to dawn on you that your garden might be on the shady side, don't panic. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
variegated orchard grass, seasonal hedge, hardiness zones, cut flower garden, golden wood millet, seasonal shade, garden impatiens, bulbous oat grass, mass planting, container planting, great groundcover, wishbone flower, giant taro, bareroot plants, mixed border, chocolate vine, individual listings, partial shade, woodland garden, shade garden, northern sea oats, root competition, great foliage, wall planting, edging lobelia

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Soil Preference, Light Preference, Bloom Color, Length of Bloom, North America, Length of Foliage Season, Deep South, Northern Hemisphere, Mother Nature, Problem Solving, Making Shade, Showcase of Shade, Arctic Circle, Foliage Time, Garden Size, Scale of Plan, United States, South America

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Citations (learn more)

This book cites 14 books:

• Little Red Riding Hood (Finger Puppet Theater) by Peter Stevenson on page 207
• Encyclopedia of Garden Plants by Storey Publishing in Back Matter
• The White Flower by Grace Livingston Hill in Back Matter
• Annuals with Style: Design Ideas from Classic to Cutting Edge by Michael Ruggiero in Back Matter
• An Encyclopedia of Shade Perennials by W. George Schmid in Back Matter

See all 14 books this book cites

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Books on Related Topics (learn more)

Perennial Combinations by C. Colston Burrell

Discusses:

• golden wood millet
• bulbous oat grass
• mass planting

The Gardening Book for Ohio by Denny McKeown

Discusses:

• hardiness zones
• mass planting
• wishbone flower

Perennials for Every Purpose by Larry Hodgson

Discusses:

• seasonal hedge
• container planting
• great groundcover

The Southern Living Garden Book by Editors of Southern Living Magazine

Discusses:

• bulbous oat grass
• wishbone flower
• woodland garden

The Natural Shade Garden by Ken Druse

Discusses:

• garden impatiens
• wishbone flower
• giant taro

Lasagna Gardening for Small Spaces by Patricia Lanza

Discusses:

• bulbous oat grass
• container planting
• partial shade

Perennial Combinations by C. Colston Burrell Discusses: golden wood millet bulbous oat grass mass planting The Gardening Book for Ohio by Denny McKeown Discusses: hardiness zones mass planting wishbone flower Perennials for Every Purpose by Larry Hodgson Discusses: seasonal hedge container planting great groundcover The Southern Living Garden Book by Editors of Southern Living Magazine Discusses: bulbous oat grass wishbone flower woodland garden Loading...

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	74% buy the item featured on this page: Making the Most of Shade: How to Plan, Plant, and Grow a Fabulous Garden that Lightens up the Shadows 4.6 out of 5 stars (16) $16.29
	8% buy The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting and Pruning Techniques 4.9 out of 5 stars (50) $23.07
	7% buy Perennial Combinations: Stunning Combinations That Make Your Garden Look Fantastic Right from the Start (Rodale Garden Book) 4.6 out of 5 stars (24) $15.61
	6% buy The Natural Shade Garden 4.3 out of 5 stars (20) $32.85

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Customer Reviews

16 Reviews 5 star:  (12) 4 star:  (3) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.6 out of 5 stars (16 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 39 of 40 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Made in the shade, September 30, 2005 By  W. Oliver (Alabama) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)       This is a great book for anyone who has a lot of shade and don't know what to do with it or for those who are wanting shade! For those who already have shade, the author shows how you can have a fabulous garden using a variety of plants that provide dramatic leaf structure and some that even flower. Of course not all shade is the same and the various types of shade are explained. Some typical problems concerning shade gardening, such as dry shade or excessive moist shade, is discussed as well. Over 300 plants are profiled individually in the last half of the book. For gardeners who want more shade, a list of shade trees and shrubs is provided. Most helpful is a section of shade garden designs based on various themes (Victorian, Japanese, Native, etc.). 49 of 52 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book......, December 11, 2005 By  Dianne Foster "Di" (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    MAKING THE MOST OF SHADE, Larry Hodgson offers hundreds of ideas about working with the trees you now have or actually creating shade. My all-time favorite book on shade gardening has been George Shenk's classic as it was he who first pointed out the virtues and sins of various trees and bushes regarding their roots and foliage, but one of the criticisms I have of Shenk's book is the dearth of color illustrations. Hodgson's book more than makes up for this shortcoming, and he adds enough text about each possible entry to actually inform the user. I have been shade gardening for some years now, and am in the position to say...yes, that works for me, or no, that is not something I can do. For example, I tried Tiarella (Allegheny foamflower) a few years ago and failed probably owing to its sensitivity to the heat and light in my yard (as it's name implies this denizon of the forests prefers something other than the hot Virginia sun in July. Well, Hodgson says there are plenty of hybrid Tiarella plants "pushing" the original into the background". So even though I am careful about invasive vegetation and try to plant native or local fauna where possible, I will probably try the `Eco Running Tapestry' but only after I check with the local VA extension service. Those creeping stems in the new hybrids may not be the best thing in my garden, and Hodgson says the `Wherry' foamflower is a "natural that doesn't produce creeping stems" so I may try that again, now that I am a more experienced gardener and understand the value of mulching annually with leaf compost. I have Creeping Woodruff (Galium odoratum) coming out of my ears leaving few places to plant Tiarella. The Gallium is a wonderful carpet that dies back along August and smells like sweet bedstraw (its common name), so I am not likely to remove it. In the spring it mixes well with Solomon's Seal or "fairy bells" (Polygonatum), Astilbe, Hellebore, and bulbs. In early summer, the Hosta lillies look swell with the Galium. I like this book very much, and it just might replace Shenk's book in my affections, although it never pays to own only one book on shade gardening. 21 of 21 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book, like all by Hodgson..., November 3, 2006 By  Elizabeth Bennett "Canadiana" (Southeast Michigan) - See all my reviews I borrowed this book from the library, and found myself quoting from it so often at work (at a perennial nursery), that I've decided to buy it. What's more, I'm getting it not only for myself, but also for a friend and for my boss, who's very interested as she sells a lot of shade plants and has also just created a new shade garden. I liked much about this book, especially the information on plant hardiness. Hodgson gardens in Canada in zone 3, but has much snow cover, and many plants thought not to be hardy that far north, are hardy for him. This matches my own experience. Also, the information on how to establish plants in the root zone of large trees is excellent! As is the information on which trees make "good" partners for a shade garden. Hodgson does not hesitate to recommend certain plants as "top performers". Altogether a first rate book, useful to the novice and experienced alike.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars MAKING THE MOST OF SHADE The book is very thorough and well written. The photos are great, and the suggestions and descriptions are extremely helpful. I would recommend it to any gardener! Published 6 months ago by Debsgarden 5.0 out of 5 stars Makin gthe Most of Shade I have never had a shade garden and my new home is, you guessed it, mosting shade. The little areas of sun I'll have will be for a garden. Read more Published 7 months ago by Deborah L. Clayton 1.0 out of 5 stars Nothing Special This book is so highly rated I can't help but think either the author or the publisher is "stacking the deck" with favorable reviews. Read more Published 8 months ago by D. Kelley 4.0 out of 5 stars A review on Making the Most of Shade I have been very pleased with this book on shade gardening. It contains many good ideas for plants and layouts ... which is what I was looking for. Read more Published 16 months ago by L. Cheatham 5.0 out of 5 stars Great gardening gift I purchased this as a gift for family with lots of shading in their lot. Good pictures, descriptions and explanations. Published 16 months ago by Nancy 4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring book for the beginner shade gardener As someone who lives in an urban area I had little choice in the amount of shade in my garden. I've found Hodgson's book to be an exciting read with lots of inspiring photos,... Read more Published on July 22, 2007 by J. Stander 5.0 out of 5 stars gardening newbie loves this book I'm in the middle of landscaping our very shady yard & this book has been indispensible! We have lived here nearly 7 years & have done little exterior work except add rock. Read more Published on July 15, 2007 by M. Conley 5.0 out of 5 stars Plants for shaded gardens A thoroughly detailed informed book for each plant mentioned in the book. Well worth buying. Each feature goes into depth about the plant. Read more Published on June 14, 2007 by Mrs. L. Dunn 5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! I'm not a gardener, but I need to learn about growing things in shady places. This book is wonderful, easy to read, pretty to look at, and simple enough for an uninformed person... Read more Published on June 14, 2007 by simplyme 5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!! This is the best book I ever bought. I'm a shade lover, due to easy care and most of all...hostas. Until I read Larrys comments on shade, I thought I was the only one who wished... Read more Published on April 5, 2007 by S. Buckman Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (April 21, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579549675
• ISBN-13: 978-1579549671
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,957 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > Shade
  #68 in	Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > Landscape

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Made in the shade, September 30, 2005

By	W. Oliver (Alabama) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is a great book for anyone who has a lot of shade and don't know what to do with it or for those who are wanting shade! For those who already have shade, the author shows how you can have a fabulous garden using a variety of plants that provide dramatic leaf structure and some that even flower. Of course not all shade is the same and the various types of shade are explained. Some typical problems concerning shade gardening, such as dry shade or excessive moist shade, is discussed as well. Over 300 plants are profiled individually in the last half of the book. For gardeners who want more shade, a list of shade trees and shrubs is provided. Most helpful is a section of shade garden designs based on various themes (Victorian, Japanese, Native, etc.).

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book......, December 11, 2005

By	Dianne Foster "Di" (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

MAKING THE MOST OF SHADE, Larry Hodgson offers hundreds of ideas about working with the trees you now have or actually creating shade. My all-time favorite book on shade gardening has been George Shenk's classic as it was he who first pointed out the virtues and sins of various trees and bushes regarding their roots and foliage, but one of the criticisms I have of Shenk's book is the dearth of color illustrations. Hodgson's book more than makes up for this shortcoming, and he adds enough text about each possible entry to actually inform the user. I have been shade gardening for some years now, and am in the position to say...yes, that works for me, or no, that is not something I can do.

For example, I tried Tiarella (Allegheny foamflower) a few years ago and failed probably owing to its sensitivity to the heat and light in my yard (as it's name implies this denizon of the forests prefers something other than the hot Virginia sun in July. Well, Hodgson says there are plenty of hybrid Tiarella plants "pushing" the original into the background". So even though I am careful about invasive vegetation and try to plant native or local fauna where possible, I will probably try the `Eco Running Tapestry' but only after I check with the local VA extension service. Those creeping stems in the new hybrids may not be the best thing in my garden, and Hodgson says the `Wherry' foamflower is a "natural that doesn't produce creeping stems" so I may try that again, now that I am a more experienced gardener and understand the value of mulching annually with leaf compost. I have Creeping Woodruff (Galium odoratum) coming out of my ears leaving few places to plant Tiarella. The Gallium is a wonderful carpet that dies back along August and smells like sweet bedstraw (its common name), so I am not likely to remove it. In the spring it mixes well with Solomon's Seal or "fairy bells" (Polygonatum), Astilbe, Hellebore, and bulbs. In early summer, the Hosta lillies look swell with the Galium.

I like this book very much, and it just might replace Shenk's book in my affections, although it never pays to own only one book on shade gardening.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book, like all by Hodgson..., November 3, 2006

By	Elizabeth Bennett "Canadiana" (Southeast Michigan) - See all my reviews

I borrowed this book from the library, and found myself quoting from it so often at work (at a perennial nursery), that I've decided to buy it. What's more, I'm getting it not only for myself, but also for a friend and for my boss, who's very interested as she sells a lot of shade plants and has also just created a new shade garden.
I liked much about this book, especially the information on plant hardiness. Hodgson gardens in Canada in zone 3, but has much snow cover, and many plants thought not to be hardy that far north, are hardy for him. This matches my own experience.

Also, the information on how to establish plants in the root zone of large trees is excellent! As is the information on which trees make "good" partners for a shade garden.

Hodgson does not hesitate to recommend certain plants as "top performers".

Altogether a first rate book, useful to the novice and experienced alike.