Plants for shade - Philip Clayton

Shady parts of the garden throw up all sorts of problems when it comes to choosing plants - and keeping them alive. Full of practical advice and step-by-step instructions, Collins Practical Gardener Plants for Shade will show you what plants to put where - and how to keep them thriving.

With its clear, practical advice on assessing your garden for different types of shade, guidance is given to what you should plant where for maximum success.

All the technical know-how you'll need is covered, from digging, shaping borders and fixing trellis to planting, mulching and pruning. It is packed with practical ideas for tackling shade-related problems and innovative suggestions, from painting walls to using mirrors, raised beds or sculptures to lift those dingy corners.

A comprehensive A-Z directory listing over 100 genera of shade-loving herbaceous plants, bulbs, ferns, climbers and shrubs provides at-a-glance reference on care needs and individual varieties - no more wading through heavy text to find the right plant. Another invaluable feature is the diagnostic troubleshooting chart, enabling you to identify plant problems from the symptoms so you no longer need to know what the problem is before you can solve it.

Packed with information, advice and practical tips this 21st-century guide to plants for shade is the most attractive and down-to-earth reference of its kind.

Contents include:

- Assessing your garden for shade
- Design solutions
- Choosing plants
- Good planting combinations
- Preparing the area
- Planting step-by-step
- Mulching
- Watering
- Pruning
- A-Z directory
- Troubleshooting chart
- Pests and diseases
- Common name plant index and subject index