Some people lament having too much shade – they crave more sun and think that roses, lavender and vegetables are the only way to garden. But local expert Susan Calhoun urges people to stop struggling with shade and start loving every vibrant leaf and filtered sunbeam. She will survey the different types of shade gardens and remind us of their benefits: just as much color, unusual plants, seasonal interest, lower water needs and cooler places to hang out during the hottest months. Susan will share essential shade lessons that are especially relevant for PNW gardeners, including how to:

• • Create shade – and how to get rid of it when it becomes too much.
  • Work with forest environments.
  • Grow in dry shade and create lushness.
  • Manage unruly natives and augment with well-behaved non-native species.
  • Create places for pollinators and insects.
  • Make your shade garden your favorite garden area.

Speaker’s Bio:

Susan Calhoun is a landscape designer, writer and speaker with over 25 years of experience gardening in our shade-rich region. Based on Bainbridge Island, she is the owner and principal designer of Plantswoman Design. She received her horticultural training at South Seattle College and RHS Garden Harlow Carr in the UK. Susan’s work has been featured in Sunset, Fine Gardening, Monrovia’s Be Inspired blog and many other national and local publications. She is a frequent speaker and contributor to the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, having created award-winning gardens for many years.

Additional Resources:

https://www.finegardening.com/author/susan-calhoun

https://www.facebook.com/plantswomandesign?ref=hl

https://www.instagram.com/plantswomannw

Photo credits: Doreen Wynja and Fine Gardening Magazine.