Next to it is one of my favorite ferns - a must for every shade garden! The Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum) is extremely cold hardy and will grow in subtropical regions. All they ask is a shady location with humus-rich soil that doesn't get dry. Best color is achieved with early morning or late afternoon dappled sun, but I do have a clump growing right under an Azalea and holding its own. They will tell you immediately if they are feeling parched - they simply fall flat to the ground and look miserable. But, they will revive quickly upon watering. This trait makes them an excellent indicator plant. If they droop, I know it's time to drag out the hose.
Solomon's Seal & Hosta
As the Circle Garden paving joins the pathway, there's a small triangular bed providing a home to two species of Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum) and Hosta (I think) 'Gold Standard'.
On the left is the Giant Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum commutatum). It is majestic (it can reach six feet (2m) in height) and it can be a bit aggressive; it's winning the battle of place with the Hosta. The poor Hosta is diminishing as the Giant is flourishing; the hosta will be moved to a new home next spring, leaving this bed to the Solomon's Seal. Giant Solomon's Seal is one plant that is supposed to do well under black walnut trees (Juglans nigra) - I haven't tried this, but I've read about it.
Polygonatum odoratum thunbergii 'Variegatum'
On the right is my favorite of the two, (also known as P. japonicum 'Variegatum' and P. falcatum 'Variegatum'), by any name a lovely plant. The markings on the leaves, particularly in early spring, are so pristine. They look like a particularly artistic garden elf spent a lot of time with a fine brush and a pot of creamy white paint. While this one wanders, it's not as strong minded as the Giant Solomon's Seal. It is trying to come up between the cracks in the walk, necessitating lifting the paving stones to move it. Next spring is slated for a renovation of this bed. I haven't done anything to it for nearly ten years and it needs a bit of attention.
Native to temperate woodlands, this genera is also perfect for shady gardens from USDA zone 4 to 9. They prefer moist, woodland type soil with lots of organic material - particularly rotted leaf mold. Other than that, they are absolutely low-maintenance plants who will give you great pleasure all through the season. They are also among plants that deer don't eat. My herd has never even tasted them. Of course, that doesn't mean your local herd won't try them; different deer eat different plants.
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