I have found many plants that not only grow in the shade, but actually flourish. When I refer to shade, I don't mean the deep shade under a dense shrub or the overhang of the house. Not many plants can survive under those conditions. For areas that are in partial shade (at least four hours of direct sunlight), or dappled shade (under open trees like birches) there are many different possibilities.

An important thing to keep in mind is that plants growing in the shade are usually competing for moisture and nourishment. An organic mulch such as pine bark or compost, will help retain the moisture and also break down and feed the plants.

A listing of shade plants must always start with Hosta. Most of us have inherited at least a few of these from relatives or neighbors. Since the common 'Royal Standard,' they have developed innumerable varieties in all sizes and leaf colors. My favorite is 'Sum and Substance.' It has huge bright golden-lime green leaves which can eventually grow to over four feet across.  [Please see my article on Hosta Virus X for more info on a new threat to this popular shade perennial.]

Two old-fashioned shade plants from my grandma's garden are bleeding hearts and Virginia bluebells. Most people know bleeding hearts, but the bluebells aren't as widely grown. The buds open in the spring a lovely bluish-pink and gradually darken till they are bright sky-blue. Virginia bluebells and daffodils are a stunning spring combination.

Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is an herb that loves the shade. It has attractive fern-like leaves that smell of licorice. In the spring it sends up small white blossoms that turn into hard dark seeds later in the season. Both the leaves and the seeds can be used in baking as a sugar substitute.

Phlox stolonesfera is a woodland plant that is commonly called creeping phlox. Don't confuse it with the sun loving Phlox subulata which is also know by that nickname. I grow this under my pine tree and it makes a lovely flat carpet of trailing stems. It is covered in May with a flock of small lavender blossoms.

Astilbe is a popular perennial which I've never had that much luck with. It requires a tremendous amount of moisture and fertilizer. I've been told that even though it is known as a shade plant, many people have had better luck placing it in full sun where it will require even more water. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful perennial. The foliage is glossy and very attractive and it flowers in wonderful shades of coral, red, pink and white.

I've had much better luck with Pulmonaria, which has really come into its own in the last few years. It has lovely foliage that is usually tinged with silver, plus beautiful blue and pink flowers in late spring. And the best news?  Deer usually leave Pulmonaria totally alone because of the fuzzy leaves.

Heuchera is another perennial that has been a focus for the hybridizers in that last few years. The new coral bells are bred for their foliage and not their flowers, and not only thrive in the shade, but actually prefer it.

A little hard to find, Doronicum is the first "daisy" to flower in the spring. It's bright yellow flowers and heart shaped leaves make it a very attractive mid-border plant. Best of all, it seems to do as well in partial shade as it does in full sun. If you do plant it in full sun don't be alarmed if it disappears in midsummer. Like bleeding heart, it should pop back up next spring.

There are several annuals that don't mind some shade. Begonias, lobelia, Torenia (wishbone flower), browallia, coleus, vinca, Johnny jump ups, and of course impatiens are all good choices.