Gravel Patio + Shade Garden

We turned a shady, un-used spot in our backyard into a calm, green retreat complete with a gravel patio, fire pit, and shade garden. Our backyard was lined with mature trees so it was ideal for showcasing different plants that grow well in low light. Using leaves of different shapes, textures, and colors we created a beautiful and relaxing spot surrounded with shade-loving plants like hostas, ferns, and lilyturf.

I firmly believe that no garden is complete without a winding path. We added a gravel path lined with cobblestone to connect the garden entrance via the driveway to the shade garden. The soft crunch of gravel underfoot harmonizes with the rustle of leaves as visitors enter the shade garden through a wooden gate covered in wisteria. This path transforms a simple walk to a journey of discovery, where every step reveals a new perspective and a quiet moment of tranquility.

The gravel patio serves as a practical and low-maintenance area for seating with privacy, providing a seamless transition from the garden to the deck. Gravel lined with cobblestone is a perfect patio choice for any homeowner looking to enhance their landscape with beauty and functionality themselves. My husband and I also installed a french drain and some grading to keep water away from the house.

The shade garden’s first year was ready in early May. Here’s a photo timeline of how this space evolved over the first 2 years:

By layering plants, you can design a visually interesting space that’s also low maintenance. For the shade garden, we planted lilyturf along both sides of the winding path, coral bells, hostas, and autumn ferns in clumps in the middle, and some dwarf nandina for the back row. We also added some blue star creeper to line a flagstone passage. With some black mulch, it made all the greens pop!

The party photos are from year 2 of the shade garden. Sadly, we moved before I got to see year 3. But I imagine she was gorgeous. It’s funny how I miss the shade garden as much as a dear friend.