Small Shade Garden

Just a few shade plants finish a spot under a low-growing maple tree along a stone and gravel pathway. Plants include Autumn Fern, Helleborus hybridus, Arum italicum and an ornamental grass.  Pine straw is used as a mulch and it helps not only to regulate soil temperature, and keep the soil moist longer it also suppresses weed growth.  As the mulch breaks down is provides valuable nutrients to the soil.  Mulches are an imporant tool in managing a healthy landscape.