Part Shade Garden, Durham County

Name: Part Shade Garden, Durham County

Open to the public: No

County: Durham

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8a (2023)

Extension Demonstration Garden? No

Approximate year the garden/landscape was established: not known

What to look for: Located in the Piedmont, this small garden is in part shade, on the southeast corner of a wooded lot, just about 10 to 12 feet from the house. It also gets reflected warmth and light from the adjacent driveway and front walk. The Salvia greggii shown in the side view has beautiful cherry-red blooms reliably in spring and summer. It grows vigorously but not invasively, needing a little seasonal pruning now and then. The beautiful fall red color of this dwarf variant really stands out, while the early spring soft red in new growth is softer.

Horticulture: An occasional spring bulb or summer annual helps to add a little seasonal color (like the hot pink Pentas in the summer photo).