• When you are satisfied that everything is in place, remove one plant at a time from its container and plant it - starting with the largest plants or trees first. Dig hole 2 to 3 times the width and a few inches deeper than the root ball. If you did not till or turn in a soil ammendment, mix compost at a 50/50 ratio with soil dug from the hole. Set plant in hole and backfill around root ball, making sure that the top edge of the rootball is at ground level or slightly above to allow for settling. Make sure to tamp lightly as you back fill to remove any air pockets.**
• Water each plant thorougly after planting, and on an as-needed basis until established. Do not overwater. Many shade-loving plants and trees, as with many other plants, do not like saturated soil - unless, of course, they are bog garden approved!
• If you do not plan on planting flower seeds, or bulbs, in your shade garden at any time in the future, Broadcast Treflan Weed Preventer Granules to control weeds for up to 1 year. Beware: Any seeds that fall from reseeding plants in your garden may also be killed by weed preventer.
• If you will be installing a drip irrigation system, do so at this time.
• Mulch garden with a 1 to 2" layer of aged wood mulch, pine straw, or compost.

The first year or two, you might want to plant some shade annuals here and there in the garden for extra-added, season-long color.

You may also want to plant a container shade garden to go on the deck or porch, or as movable accents in sitting areas around a pond or pool, or in the shade garden.