I think most of us, as gardeners, would confess to obsessing over a dahlia or delphinium during summer. And, sure, I get it, a pink cosmos or coneflower is hard to top. But I think we need to give evergreens a little more love. In particular, the group of evergreens that can handle shade. To me, these are the unsung heroes of the backyard, and can prove to be transformative in darker pockets and borders.
Shade can be tricky to deal with. That’s why evergreen plants that tolerate shade are so useful. And, it needn't be dull. I always recommend mixing tones and textures. Pair the mottled yellow-and-green of aucuba or euonymus with strappy, grassy foliage like monkey grass, supported by topiary clipped forms of yew or Japanese holly. With the right combinations, shady spots can sing.
