Shaded areas are notorious for being dull and difficult to garden, but I’m here to prove that isn’t always the case! Woodland gardens are some of my favorites, and my new house with massive oak trees sets the scene to create a woodland garden of my own. This mix of barrenwort, brunnera, astilbe, and ferns adds the perfect pops of color and texture from spring to fall. The coppery-orange blooms on ‘Orange Queen’ barrenwort pair well with the blue flowers on ‘Queen of Hearts’ brunnera (and their heart-shaped foliage seals the deal). ‘Moccachino’ astilbe adds contrast with dark foliage and white summer blooms. ‘Crested Surf’ Japenese painted ferns rounds it all out with silver, green, and purple coloration all season long.