Select Shade-Tolerant Plants
Although you’ll have a limited selection, there are many plants that thrive in partial to full shade. Hostas are a popular choice for landscapes with minimal sunlight due to their large green leaves that add a lot of color when not much else will grow in a space. Ferns are another option you can use to add color to bare areas. Just make sure to choose a variety that prefers less water if you plan on xeriscaping your lawn. If you prefer flowers, irises work well with low light. You can also grow lettuce, arugula, and kale in parts of your lawn with low sunlight for an edible garden.
Maximize the Use of Sunlit Areas
Take some time to observe where and when the sunlight hits the lawn. If you know the light tends to hit a specific part of the yard around the afternoon, you might want to add climbing vines such as star jasmine to the area for a touch of greenery. Alternatively, you could use potted plants to line a well-lit corner of the landscaping near the porch. Being able to move the plants can help you keep them thriving during different times of the year. Local nurseries often have flowers available that only need small amounts of sunlight to thrive.
Consider Creating a Water Feature
Water features, such as fountains and ponds, take a large amount of space to fill in bare parts of the landscaping. They also make a visual impact that can easily be seen from the street, and you’ll enjoy having the relaxing effects of flowing water sounds nearby. Keep in mind you’ll want to choose a water feature with movement to reduce the risk of stagnation in areas with low sunlight. Lining the water feature with natural stones such as snow-white pebbles or gray river rock adds neutral hues to the landscape design that work well with the relaxing theme.
Use Decorative Rocks to Increase Curb Appeal
Decorative rocks are the go-to choice for landscaping professionals who need to work with low sunlight. You can find decorative pebbles in golden hues to reflect the minimal sunlight that does happen to appear on your property. Or you could create contrast with dark polished black river rock that stands out against the lighter shades of your home’s exterior paint. Decorative rocks can be used to create pathways, fill in the space around your low-light garden, or create a seating area for an outdoor kitchen.
No matter what type of issues you have in your landscape, you can enhance its character and beauty with a variety of stones. For advice on designing your landscape with decorative rocks and beach pebbles, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rocks Stones & Pebbles, a premier landscape rock and supply superstore. We specialize in drought-tolerant landscaping materials, including a variety of Mexican beach pebbles and river rock. To learn how we can help you enhance the look of your landscape, call us today.
