Shade Gardening: Favorite Astilbe?, 1 by

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This shot looks down into my lower garden from the top of some steps we built almost 20 years ago. They're definitely ready for replacement but they sure beat trying to climb up and down a slippery clay slope. That's my $8 Japanese maple from Frank's from 20 years ago. And that beautiful green plastic fencing way in the back helps keep out some of the less inquisitive deer (until the plastic tears to let them in).
The main plants used in this shady area are Hostas and Astilbes with other odds and ends thrown in. Unfortunately nothing is blooming at the moment but am looking forward to next year with definitely more Astilbe blooms in drifts to brighten things up.