Winter, generally speaking, is not a gardener’s friend. However, I must admit, when the first frosts hit—or even a dusting of snow—the effect on my garden is magical. It’s something that here in New England I look forward to each year. The way the plants seem like they’ve been sprinkled with the finest iridescent glitter is a sight that sustains me throughout the coming months of dark dreariness.
Perhaps that’s why I love silver variegated plants so much. Their ability to replicate that early winter magic—year round—is so alluring. And when you put that trait into a plant that thrives in the dark and sometimes dreary shade, it’s even better. Regrettably, I only have a scant few silver variegated shade plants. But after reading Frank Fitzgerald’s article Silver in the Shade in our most recent issue, my spring shopping list grew exponentially. Among his suggestions is ‘Sea Heart’ brunnera, a newer cultivar known for being a more vigorous plant than the better known ‘Jack Frost’ brunnera. And while that alone would warrant its place on my shopping list, ‘Sea Heart’ also tolerates heat and humidity quite well, meaning its sparkling silver-green leaves won’t crisp up like my other brunneras in summer.
As I type this letter, I’m staring out the window at a light snow falling on my garden, and it’s lending the evergreens a silver sparkle. Watching this happen is giving me even more justification for adding many more silver variegated plants to my landscape in spring—and if my husband questions the massive charge at the nursery, I’ll simply tell him you can’t put a price on magic.
—Danielle Sherry, executive editor
More articles on great plants for shade:
Truly Tough Shade Plants
3 Ways to Use Silver to Brighten Your Shade Garden
Best Variegated Plants for Shade for Your Region
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National Wildlife Federation®: Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife, Expanded Second Edition (Creative Homeowner) 17 Projects & Step-by-Step Instructions to Give Back to Nature
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From the National Wildlife Federation, the largest U.S. nonprofit conservation organization, with 6 million members and 51 state and territorial affiliated organizations. 17 step-by-step projects that everyone can do together make getting your family back to nature easy, educational, and fun. Over 200 color photos of backyard wildlife habitats and the wide variety of creatures they attract, plus step-by-step photos and illustrations for family projects. Learn wildlife-friendly practices for gardening, landscape design, supplemental feeders, birdbaths, nesting places, and more. Learn how to attract backyard pollinators, from bees and butterflies to beetles, bats, and hummingbirds
Get your garden certified by the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife(TM) program by following the included certification application checklist.
Corona E-Grip Trowel
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Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red.
Bee Watering Station with Vivid Flower Design
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Thoughtful Combo: You will receive a bee feeder and 30 glass marbles. This thoughtful combo can provide clean water for the bees, you just need to put the marbles into the bee watering station, add water (note: the water level should not exceed the height of the marbles) and hang them in the right place. The round, colored marbles can provide a place for the bees to stand and prevent them from falling into the water, effectively keeping the bees safe. Fine Material: This exquisite bee bath is made of high quality iron material, smooth surface, rust and weather resistant, not easy to fade, sturdy and reliable. Bee cups for garden can well meet the drinking water needs of lovely bees, and it can also provide food for bees, such as sugar water, nectar, etc., attracting more bees to your outdoor area and making your garden full of vitality. Perfect Size: The butterfly watering station has an overall height of 13.4 inches, a bowl diameter of 9.4 inches, and a weight of 0.44 pounds. The bee cup serves the needs of the bees well without plunging them into dangerously deep water or taking up unnecessary space in your garden, and this compact and efficient design makes it a practical addition to any outdoor space. Elegant Design: Our bee watering cups are designed in unique flower shapes with vibrant and realistic colours to attract lovely bees to your garden and patio, bee feeders for outside are not only functional but can also be used as a landscaping element, their vibrant floral patterns enhance the beauty of your garden. Multicolored Decoration: Colorful bee water stations look like flowers in a garden, flower bed or pot and attract bees and butterflies. They can drink or bathe in bee feeders, which are highly decorative and practical.
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