Outdoor Plants Guide
- Follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Plant Hardiness Zone guidelines to determine what kind of growing season your yard will experience. The types of plants you will be able to grow depend on the growing zone in which you are located.
For example, if you live in Nebraska your growing zone will be 4b, according to the USDA. People that live in the 4b zone experience rich soil and long growing seasons. Many plants can grow in the 4b zone such as tomatoes, roses and basil. Many seed packets for outdoor plants contain growing-zone information. - Gardenia
Grow plants that require only small amounts of sunlight nearest to your home, where they receive plenty of shade. Some notable shade plants include honeysuckle, which is fragrant and contains an edible nectar. Gardenia shrubs, hydrangeas and witch hazel also produce great shade-loving foliage. Shade-tolerant plants tend to require nutrient-rich soil that is slowly watered through drip lines. - Amsonia in bloom
Plant a variety of plants to make your yard stand out and invite looks of awe. Construct a slightly raised flower bed directly in front of the shade plants that border your home. To do this, simply make a rock pile and pack the crevices with mud and soil. For a rustic and natural look, leave it looking as it is without any cleanup.
Plant several flowers that require partial sun and partial shade. Flowers like baby's breath and bee balm make great additions to your outdoor plant garden. For an exotic look, you can also plant amsonia flowers in several places surrounding your shaded plants and rock-bed.