Shrouded by two ornamental pear trees looming above, this area is one of the most shady spots in the garden, which requires growing plants that are adapted to low-light conditions. Here we feature plants that thrive with less sun, such as ferns, hellebores, foxgloves, and begonias.
Shade gardens are made up of multiple layers of plants, from the upper canopy of trees to medium-sized shrubs, down to the smaller understory plantings. This creates a higher density of biomass and greater leaf surface area, which can increase carbon sequestration. Shade gardens also increase our resilience to a changing climate by providing a cool place of respite for plants, animals, and people. As our summers get warmer and drier, many sensitive plants that would suffer in a more exposed setting could survive heat waves here in the shade. But be sure to plant trees appropriate to your climate and available space!
Have a seat on the bench and take a couple of deep breaths. Enjoy the break from the sun in the summer, and in the winter notice how the deciduous pear has dropped its leaves, opening up the canopy to let in more light down below. Notice the contrast in the sights, sounds, and smells between where you’re seated and busy 7th Avenue next to you. Look around this area and you’ll find a stone with a face in it, a plaque dedicated to a member of San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners (SLUG – the previous organization that operated the garden), and two large pear trees that create this shady oasis.
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