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Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' green veining. In early spring it produces sprays of tiny blue flowers. Related to forget-me-nots, this hardy (to zone 4) perennial is much better behaved. It looks great blooming with yellow daffodils and purple hellebores. Give it plenty of compost and extra water during dry spells. Primroses and their relatives are noted for their gorgeous flowers. In early spring you'll see flocks of the rainbow-hued types in garden centres and even grocery stores. I find that these little nuggets of colour struggle in the garden when summer arrives. My solution is to grow a few in containers that I keep in the shade and stand in saucers of water when it gets very hot. Pampered, they reward me with blooms for months each year. For the garden, search out the less common primulas, such as the candelabra types with their twirling tiers of flowers. Of the several species in this category, I like Primula pulverulenta – its flowers come in rich tones and its stems and leaves are covered with white flecks that remind me of icing sugar. In general, species primulas are easy to grow from seed. They are sensational planted in large swathes in the filtered light of deciduous trees. Rich soil and plenty of water keeps them happy, so if you have a shady, damp area, this group of perennials is for you. To create an attractive shade garden, add plants with finely cut leaves. The many species of ferns fill this role with grace and ease. I wouldn't be without our modest B.C.-native deer fern (Blechnum spicant, zone 5). Its long evergreen fronds are cut to the central midrib, creating a feather-like quality. A bulkier evergreen fern, our native sword fern (Polystichum munitum, zone 3), matures into a substantial clump, perfect for screening a building foundation where it doesn't mind shade and a little summer drought once established. This is just a small sampling of perennials for shade. Not only will you be amused by their wizardly names (in honour of mice, bears, pigs and deer, not to mention swords and candlesticks!), you'll be captured by their beauty. Arrange round leaves with pointed leaves, variegated foliage with bronze, and glossy with dull for a year-round magical display. ■ PHOTOS Hosta, Jo Whitworth/GAP Photos; all others Carolyn Jones p66-69_Made for the Shade.indd 69 13-01-23 11:29 AM