A Garden in the Shade

There's some dappled morning sun on the patio, garden, and lawn. Mostly though, our garden is deep shade.

I've lived and gardened here for the past four years since moving in with my husband.

I do sometimes miss my vintage Georgian with its sunny borders and vegetable garden. I miss the tomatoes most of all.

Still, I love this garden in the shade. During the dog days of summer it's a cooler, breezier retreat from the sun than the suburban back yards of most anyone I know. I can work back here any time of the day I choose without having to slather myself in sunscreen. Because it's so shaded our house stays cooler inside than most. We don't have to use our air conditioning as often. We save energy, we save money, and we get to enjoy the fleeting sweet sounds and scents of summer borne through our open windows on soft, sensuous breezes.

We spend a lot of time outside, from early spring through late fall, and all throughout the summer. The summer shade in our backyard is so much a part of the pleasure of our outdoor lifestyle. I do miss my vegetable garden, but oh, how I love this garden in the shade, and the man I get to share it with.