Where normal plants fear to grow.
Every yard has at least one problem area: deep shade, a steep hill, or a swampy corner. Chapter 13 tackles these challenges head‑on with plant recommendations and engineering solutions.
Deep shade (under a dense maple or on the north side of a house) is the most common problem. Grass won’t grow there. Instead, plant shade‑tolerant groundcovers like hosta, ferns, astilbe, and lamium. The book notes that even “shade” plants need some light—dappled sun or morning sun only. Under extremely dark evergreens, consider mulch or a moss garden.
Slopes are tricky because water runs off before it soaks in, and soil erodes. For gentle slopes (less than 15 degrees), deep‑rooted groundcovers like juniper or crown vetch hold soil. For steeper slopes, you may need terraces (see Chapter 4) or erosion control fabric with plugs of grass or sedge planted through holes. The authors warn against planting trees on steep slopes unless the roots are well‑established—a fallen tree on a slope is a disaster.
Wet spots (where water sits for days after rain) kill most plants by drowning their roots. But some plants love wet feet. The book recommends red‑osier dogwood, winterberry holly, swamp milkweed, and cardinal flower. For extremely wet areas, consider a rain garden (a shallow depression planted with wetland species) that holds water temporarily and filters pollutants. The authors provide a simple rain garden design: 6–9 inches deep, flat bottom, with an overflow outlet.
Dry shade (under a tree with shallow roots) is especially challenging. The tree’s roots compete for water, and the canopy blocks rain. Try epimedium (barrenwort), liriope (lilyturf), or hellebores (Lenten rose). These tough plants survive with little moisture and no direct sun.
The chapter also covers south‑facing hot spots (reflected heat from walls). Use heat‑tolerant plants like yucca, sedum, and lavender. And salt‑prone areas near roads—choose salt‑tolerant species like rugosa rose or bayberry.
Encouragement: Every problem area has a plant solution. Don’t fight the site—match the plant to the condition.
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