The Shade

In the scorching heat of Los Angeles, finding shade feels like a quest straight out of an epic fantasy novel. It's like trying to find a unicorn in a sea of palm trees—elusive, mythical, and darn near impossible. You'd think you stumbled into a desert oasis when you finally spot that coveted shady spot under a lone tree, only to realize it's already occupied by a gang of pigeons staging their own version of a beach day. And don't even get us started on those "shade hunters" who lurk in parking lots, eyes locked on the one measly tree within a mile radius, ready to pounce like jungle cats at the first hint of someone vacating the prime shady spot. Ah, the struggles of living in the land of perpetual sunshine!

If you have been able to create a little shaded oasis in your garden, this modular garden will flourish in part of full shade.

In this vibrant garden tableau, a kaleidoscope of colors, heights, and textures dance together in perfect harmony. Towering above the rest, the majestic Ceanothus (A) stands sentinel, its cascading branches adorned with clusters of azure blooms, offering a striking contrast against the backdrop of lush green foliage. Nearby, Salvia 'Bees Bliss' (B) blankets the ground with a profusion of lavender-hued flowers, its aromatic leaves adding texture and interest to the scene. Penstemon procerus (C) adds vertical accents with its slender stems topped by clusters of tubular lavender blossoms, while Salvia leucophylla (D) spreads its silvery foliage like a delicate veil, punctuated by spikes of pale lavender flowers.

Anemopsis californica (E) adds a touch of whimsy with its unusual white flowers resembling cotton balls, while Heuchera maxima (F) provides a pop of color with its paler pinkish blooms nestled among its mounding foliage. Western columbine (G) adds a splash of drama with its nodding red flowers, dangling like jewels from its slender stems, while Eriogonum rubescens (H) boasts clusters of tiny mauve flowers atop its wiry branches. Paeonia californica (I) steals the show with its showy red blooms, their velvety petals a feast for the eyes, while Salvia spathacea (J) completes the ensemble with its spikes of deep magentaflowers, adding a final flourish of color to this enchanting garden scene.