Many shaded areas of a garden will get some sun depending on the time of year. In early spring, late autumn and winter, there are few if any leaves on the trees so some light may be available and this time is ideal for growing primroses, the perennial lily of the valley, and flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocus, grape hyacinths, early flowering dwarf irises, tulips, and snowdrops.

However, if you have an area of your garden that never seems to get the sun, perennial plants such as ferns, hostas, bleeding heart and ivy are all low maintenance plants, and will do well in a shady spot. The ferns, hostas and ivy are mainly grown for their foliage which means they can create a pleasing backdrop to other plants. The lighter the foliage the more light they are likely to need, so if you are looking to plant in a totally shaded area then select ferns, hostas and ivy that have the darkest foliage. Bleeding Heart which produces a white or red flower, blooms in the spring and dies back in early summer.

Hosta plants will benefit from adding good aged manure to the soil and the use of a mulch to aid in water retention. Both ferns and hosta will do best if the soil is kept moist. Hostas and ferns die down in the winter and re-emerge in the spring.

If you want to bring a little extra light to a shaded area you could always use mirrors, paint a wall or fence white, or have some overhanging trees pruned.