Shade

I'm looking for advice please.

I have a strip of garden in the shadow of my house and fence that receives no direct sunlight whatsoever. I'd like to create a border in this area, but I'm very wary of buying the wrong plants. Almost every plant I look at says sun or part shade.

My question is what does part shade mean and can I get away with planting any part shade plants in my shade border, or am I restricted to ferns.

The border is quite bright, it just doesn't receive any direct sunlight.

Thanks

Nobreath

 

Euonymus fortunei is a foliage plant suited to dry sites in the shade. They have bright green leaves with white borders. I have quite a number of them in my garden and it brightens up an otherwise dark area throughout the year. Skimmia japonica will offer you dark red buds in winter to open in the spring as creamy flowers followed by red berries. Hope this helps...

 

Think woodland plants. Also Hostas, Mints (plant them in pots sunk in the border though or they'll take over), Bergenia, Cranesbill (aka perennial geraniums), Bluebells, Lily of the Valley, Foxgloves...and yes, ferns of all shapes and sizes.

Sarcococca (Christmas Box) is also good as an evergreen and it's slow growing so it won't take over.

 

Nobreath, please go look at my gardens, most of which is in shade. And you can see the array of plants that can be had. I live in zone 6, but prefer to by plants in zone 4 if I can or 5.
See my gardens on You Tube, under Estherredstar.

 

Thanks everybody for your replies, all much appreciated.