Shade Gardening in New York City: A Guide for Urban Gardeners

Marcus Bergin
Aug 18, 2024
3 min read

Gardening in New York City can be a unique and rewarding experience, especially regarding shade gardening. With tall buildings, narrow streets, and limited green spaces, many city areas receive little direct sunlight. But don’t worry! Shade gardening is possible in New York City and can result in beautiful and thriving gardens. In this guide, we’ll explore the best plants for shade gardening, tips for caring for them, and where to find plants in the city.

A serene garden in New York City featuring a tranquil water feature, with clear water gently cascading over rocks into a small pond. The garden is surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and shaded areas, creating a peaceful oasis amidst the urban environment — Matthew Jerrett/Courtesy of Manscapers NY

Why Shade Gardening?

Shade gardening is perfect for areas that don’t get much direct sunlight. In New York City, this is common due to the density of buildings. Many city dwellers have balconies, small patios, or even community garden plots that are shaded most of the day. Shade-tolerant plants are specially adapted to thrive in these conditions, making them ideal for urban gardens.

Best Shade Plants for New York City

Hostas: Hostas are a popular choice for shade gardens. They come in various leaf colours and sizes, making them versatile and easily fit into any garden design. They are also hardy and require minimal maintenance, perfect for busy New Yorkers.
Ferns: Ferns are another excellent option for shaded areas. They add a lush, green texture to your garden and can thrive even in the deepest shade. Some popular varieties include the Maidenhair Fern and the Japanese Painted Fern.
Astilbes: Known for their beautiful, feathery flowers, Astilbes are a fantastic addition to any shade garden. They bloom in shades of pink, red, and white and can brighten up even the darkest corners of your garden.
Heucheras (Coral Bells): Heucheras are known for their vibrant foliage, which ranges from deep purples to bright greens. They do well in partial to full shade and add colour to your garden.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria): Lungwort is perfect for shady spots. It has unique spotted leaves and produces lovely spring blue, pink, or white flowers.

Tips for Shade Gardening in New York City

Know Your Shade: Not all shade is the same. There’s full shade (no direct sunlight) and partial shade (some sunlight during the day). Understanding the type of shade in your garden will help you choose the right plants.
Soil Matters: Shade gardens often have cooler and moister soil, which can affect plant growth. Ensure your soil is well-draining, and consider adding organic matter like compost to improve its quality.
Water Wisely: While shade gardens generally need less water than sunny ones, keeping the soil consistently moist is important, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Mulch to Retain Moisture: Adding a layer of mulch around your plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool. This is particularly important in shaded areas where the soil tends to dry out more slowly.

Where to Get Plants in New York City

New York City has several great places to buy plants, including those perfect for shade gardening:

The exterior of The New York Botanical Garden Shop, featuring a charming entrance with large windows displaying plants and garden accessories. Potted plants and flowers are arranged outside the shop, adding vibrant greenery to the scene. The shop is nestled within the lush surroundings of the New York Botanical Garden, offering a welcoming and nature-inspired atmosphere — The New York Botanical Garden Shop

The New York Botanical Garden Shop: Located in the Bronx, this shop offers various plants, including shade-loving species. You can also get expert advice on what might work best for your space.
Union Square Greenmarket: Open several days a week, this market in Manhattan features local vendors who sell a range of plants, including those suited for shade.
Gowanus Nursery: Located in Brooklyn, Gowanus Nursery specializes in native plants, many of which are well-suited to shaded urban environments.
Plant Shed: With locations on the Upper West Side and in Harlem, Plant Shed offers a variety of plants, including those that thrive in low-light conditions.

Examples of Great Shade Gardens in NYC

A wooden plaque in Shakespeare Garden, Central Park, New York City, displaying the engraved quote, "Of Nature's gifts thou may'st with lilies boast, And with the half-blown rose." The plaque is set amidst vibrant greenery and blooming flowers, reflecting the garden's celebration of natural beauty and Shakespearean poetry.

One of the best examples of shade gardening in New York City is the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park. This beautiful garden is nestled in a shaded area and features various shade-tolerant plants, including Hostas, ferns, and Astilbes. Another example is the Heather Garden in Fort Tryon Park, which showcases a stunning array of shade-loving plants that create a peaceful, green oasis in the city.

Conclusion

Shade gardening in New York City is not only possible but can also be incredibly rewarding. By choosing the right plants, taking care of the soil, and understanding the unique challenges of urban gardening, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden, even in the city's heart. Whether gardening on a balcony, in a community garden, or a shady backyard, there are plenty of options to help you succeed.

So, why not start your shade garden today? With a little effort and the right plants, you can transform even the shadiest corner of New York into a green, lush paradise.