So I've posted questions about this area of our property before and I've got some really great answers, but I got a new catelog in the mail today and there is a $20 gift certificate with it and I'm itching to use it! So, before I order plants for this side of the house, I want to again explain it's problems and see what people think of what I want to buy to plant in it. I'm using some ideas that Newt gave me, but I want to double check to make sure I'm thinking things through. The area of my property is the south side which I realize should be sunny, but its not. Its full shade...under 1 90 foot tall coniferous tree and a 70 foot tall deciduous tree (2nd tree is not on our property but is a VERY wide tree). So, I need something that grows in full shade well. Also, its a slow-draining area. After a heavy rain, it is not uncommon for water to sit there for about 12-24 hours. I'm looking to buy a hosta mix (the company will pick the varieties that I will get) that will come with 6 plants. I'm also looking at a fern combo. I'd get 3 each of ostrich fern and lady fern. So, what do you guys think??? The fern and hostas will be ok there?? I think they would look really good with each other. If I can only get one or the other (hostas or the ferns) which should I get???

As if I don't have enough choices, there is what is called a "shady perennial garden" choice. It comes with 18 plants: 2 each of white edged hostas and undulated variegata hostas, 2 old fashioned bleeding hearts, 3 each of fernleaf bleeding hearts and ostrich plume ferns, and 6 lilies of the valley. I'm trying to talk Stephen into letting me buy that package. The catelog says that it fills a 4x12 foot section, but I wouldn't make it into a rectangle arrangement. It would be more of a kidney shaped display. So....what do you all think??? Info is greatly appreciated.

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I was thinking the same thing about the few hours of light. I was really paying attention to the path of light for the last couple of days, and I was noticing that the area gets about 3 1/2.....MAYBE 4 hours of light once the sun dips down low enough to get under the bottom branch of the trees. I also think that really early sun might hit that spot too....I don't get up early enough to see it tho. Do you think that those few hours will be ok?? Its not like its night time dark there....its just really shady. I don't know...I just really like the idea of the bleeding hearts. My Nanna had those in her yard.

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Thanks Weezie. I remember this thread, although I never continued to read all that everyone said. I wonder why??? Anyways, thanks a bunch. I've decided that I need to make my decision by Sunday morning because once we leave for vacation, things are going to be hectic.

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