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Many of us don't have a completely exposed lawn. Trees, other houses, or large shrubs can block nourishing sunlight, causing many plants to die. Perhaps it's just part of the year, or perhaps it's a constant issue, but sunlight often does not come to all sections of most lawns. Despite this, there are many kinds of plants that can flourish in the shade, creating colorful, textured, rich displays with perennials, ferns, trees, or even mosses. With proper design, a homeowner can utilize a spotty lawn and create a backyard retreat. Also, for those living in environments of extreme climate or in urban settings, small, potted shade gardens can be created indoors for the home or office.

Getting Started

The first and most important step to creating a shade garden is to observe. One must find what type of shade is in that area, whether indoors or outdoors. Is it "dappled" shade, open shade, medium shade, dense shade or dry shade? Each shade type requires a certain amount of human influence, and can utilize different types of plants. Also, hours of sunlight during the day should be taken into account, and seasonal changes in sunlight might be important to record as well. The next thing to take into account is the soil - if it is sand or clay, if it is dry or overly wet, or if it is richly dark or light. Each scenario requires a different plant choice. For instance, if your shady area is practically a swamp, you may not want to plant a shade-loving cactus. If organization is key in a large garden or lawn project, perhaps even creating a garden journal or landscaping map may be helpful, keeping track of problem areas. As a last-minute resort, changes can be made to increase small amounts of light by trimming dead tree branches, or changing the location of fences.



The Benefits

Gardens have their own benefits - they reduce air, water, and noise pollution, improve biodiversity and reduce one's carbon footprint. Some of us are reduced to shade gardens exclusively, and so having a shade garden is much better than simply having a plain office, or plain grass, which often looks sickly and dies at certain points in the year. When integrating a shade garden into a wider landscaping plan, shade gardens can bring color and diversity to otherwise dark, boring areas. An increase in plant variety is good for the eye and sometimes the plants themselves. Also, an obvious benefit is bragging rights, as fellow gardeners marvel at your skill in being able to use every inch of your gardening space.




Best Plants to Grow

A surprising amount of plants do well in shade. There are annuals, perennials, deciduous shrubs, evergreens, grasses, ferns, vines, small trees, mosses and even some succulents that do well in these environments. There are a great deal of possibilities, and the majority of them look far better than ordinary sod. Be careful when reading up on plants, and take into consideration the level of shade, the soil needs, and other factors when considering them for your garden. Create a list of five to ten plants that interest you, and try to fill the space with as much biodiversity as possible!




Tips, Ideas and Advice

Feel free to get creative when designing your shade garden. Consider having a variety of textures and colors of plants for the best look. Think three-dimensionally and vary the height of plants as well. Besides plants, shady areas can utilize water elements, rock gardens, or pathways. You can insert a water fountain or large boulders. If you have a fence that's creating the shade, perhaps hang a weather-worn, artistic focal point on the horizon line. You can use buckets, pots and containers to create height and depth of plants that have different soil needs. It's important to plan ahead and talk to other gardeners about your ideas, as their experience with shade gardening can be very helpful. For instance, be careful of tree roots if planting near a tree, and be wary of fast-growing plants like ivy or mint.

Article written by Lexi Westingate

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  • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
  • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
  • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.

30 Day Measuring Insurance

This plan does not cover measuring errors. Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit.

30 Day Returns

This plan does not cover returns.
5 Year Guaranteed to Fit
Who is covered:
  • Warranties cover the original purchaser of the window blinds and shades.
What is covered:
  • Any defects in materials of workmanship
  • Operating mechanisms and other parts
  • Cell separation on honeycomb/cellular shades
  • Warping slats for faux wood and wood blinds
  • Broken vertical vanes
  • Restrings for internal cords
What is not covered:
  • Parts that fail due to accident, alteration and/or improper use
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Color fading due to excessive exposure to sunlight, moisture or improper cleaning
  • Accidental damage
Resolution:
  • BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective.
  • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
  • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
  • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.

30 Day Measuring Insurance

Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit, however, we all make errors from time to time and this protection plan covers any mis-measurement mistakes. If the window coverings do not fit, please let us know within 30 days of receiving the items. The blinds/shades will be remade at the correct dimensions at no cost to you unless there is a difference in price between the old and new sizes or if the new size requires an oversize shipping fee. Limit is 1 remake per blind/shade. All remakes will have to be remade in the same color, feature and specifications, no changes are allowed.

Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.

Any mis-measurements reported after 30 days will not be covered, however, new blinds and shades can be ordered with an additional 10% discount.

30 Day Returns

This plan does not cover returns.
5 Year Guaranteed to Love
Who is covered:
  • Warranties cover the original purchaser of the window blinds and shades.
What is covered:
  • Any defects in materials of workmanship
  • Operating mechanisms and other parts
  • Cell separation on honeycomb/cellular shades
  • Warping slats for faux wood and wood blinds
  • Broken vertical vanes
  • Restrings for internal cords
  • Parts that fail due to accident, alteration and/or improper use
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Color fading due to excessive exposure to sunlight, moisture or improper cleaning
  • Accidental damage
Resolution:
  • BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective.
  • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
  • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
  • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.


30 Day Measuring Insurance

Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit, however, we all make errors from time to time and this protection plan covers any mis-measurement mistakes. If the window coverings do not fit, please let us know within 30 days of receiving the items. The blinds/shades will be remade at the correct dimensions at no cost to you unless there is a difference in price between the old and new sizes or if the new size requires an oversize shipping fee. Limit is 1 remake per blind/shade. All remakes will have to be remade in the same color, feature and specifications, no changes are allowed.

Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.

Any mis-measurements reported after 30 days will not be covered, however, new blinds and shades can be ordered with an additional 10% discount.

30 Day Returns

If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Authorization Number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Refunds will be processed within 2-3 business days after we receive the items (Guaranteed to Love fee is not refundable).

Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.
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