find beauty + respite in the shade garden: landscape design opportunities in the pacific northwest
Living amongst the expansive conifer forests west of the Cascades, these understory woodlands are arguably the most emblematic and impressionable outdoor places we experience. The layered elegance of the cedar canopy, vine maple midstory and moss laden understory is the backdrop to family camping trips, the treasure chest of mushroom foraging quests, and the winter wonderland on snowshoeing and skiing adventures.
Fortunately, our urban hubs still have pockets of these conifer groves and their woodland shade landscapes beneath. These shade gardens support urban wildlife habitat, help cool our urban temperatures, and deepen our spiritual and cultural connection to the larger Pacific Northwest ecosystem.
And yet these ecological benefits of shade gardens are just the beginning, their beauty is exceptional with its colorful array, lush textures and ample seasonal interest.
The stone patio at our recently installed zen garden with its lush moss + forest grass mosaic
There are a multitude of smaller landscape trees, shrubs and groundcovers/grasses/ferns that thrive in the shade. With the history of Japanese garden design in the Northwest and the cultural revival of midcentury modern design, shade gardens have a lot to offer landscape design in their plant palettes, spatial organization and textural quality. Whether you’re envisioning a side garden with a simple path of stepping stones, a backyard entertaining area, or a welcoming entry garden, let’s embrace these cool spaces with curiosity and gratitude for the pockets of beauty and respite they offer our outdoor living.
The zen garden full of Ophiopogon japonicus, Liriope muscari, Blechnum spicant, Cyrtomium falcatum, Mahonia ‘Winter’s Charity’, Azara microphylla, and Acer circinatum.
A few of our favorite plants to consider: Ophiopogon japonicus, Hakonechloa macra, Blechnum spicant, Cyrtomium falcatum, Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’, Mahonia ‘Winter’s Sun’, Adiantum venustum, Camellia sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’, Azara microphylla, Acer circinatum, Hellebore spp.
Some public gardens and nurseries to visit and get inspired for your own shaded oasis: the shade house at Portland Nursery, Portland Japanese Garden, Leach Botanical Gardens, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, the woodlands + moss garden at Bloedel Reserve, the renaissance garden at Heronswood Garden,
