Design School: Creating Shady Garden Nooks

Design School: Creating Shady Garden Nooks

Nook. Just the word conjures images of small, secluded, sheltered little retreats for getting away from it all. Just enjoy being outdoors among the plants. Always a place of desire, shady nooks are extra seductive in high summer. This is when the garden beckons, but the heat makes you think twice!

A shady garden nook can made to serve a defined purpose (such as dining, reading, working). However it can also be somewhere you would like to hide out for a bit. It can be planned, designed, and fully built and executed. Or, simply carved out of a random space to where you might naturally gravitate.

The best shady garden nooks are surrounded by plants that help to shade and cool. They are unfussy and easy to maintain, and have comfortable seating. Here are some tips to help you envision your own little corner of heaven.

Nook Necessities

  • Some amount of shade.

  • Lots of leafy plants (of course, flowers are nice too!)

  • Comfortable seating.

  • Private but with easy access.

Add a "Roof"

Under an arbor, pergola, or the canopy of a large, leafy shade tree. Nooks feel best when there is a sense of enclosure. Here are three examples where designers took advantage of the existing space to create a soothing place to hang out.

helgersen500x500
clematispergola-e1565113352652
swing500x500-300x300@2x

Upper Left: Designer Jessica Helgerson carved a little nook-sized dining space just off the kitchen. She added vining plants like climbing Hydrangea (H. petiolaris) to create a cool, calming space. A free-standing arbor would have the same effect. Just be sure to site it a bit off the beaten track.

Upper Right: Designer Gina Funaro managed to create a cozy, small, and intimate sit-a-spell place. This was done by adding a clematis-festoon pergola at the edge of a bed. Imagine the sunsets!

Left: Can a “nook” be in the wide open rather than nestled into a secluded space? Why not. This sturdy swing hung on a rope from a mature tree feels like a world apart. The very definition of the concept. (Don’t worry about finding the exact swing–just steal the idea!)

Add Some Plants

Some nooks are truly hidden in deep greenery while others are a bit more within view. Wherever in your yard you can chill, catch your breath, and be one with your plants is plenty nook-ish!

undertree560x335

Left: Here the designer used the no-man's land often found under mature trees. This cannot easily be planted to craft a secluded seating space.

Lower Left: Designer Jennie Fitch used a short curved wall to make a seating nook. This is cooled with a Japanese maple and other shade plants.

Lower Right: Being knee-deep in plants can create a special sort of vibe. This bench takes advantage of a curve in the path.

chairscurved
bower500

Make the Most of What You Have

If you have the time and budget it’s always a dreamy option to plan and build a private space. If not, take a look around your yard and home for options. Refer back to the basic 4 needs above to make it work.

carterrohrer.500x500jpg
shady-side-of-house-e1565116149271
sized

Upper Left:  Carter Rohrer Design tucks a few chairs in a leafy-green bower at the edge of wooded area. Any patch with dappled shade is a great place for a nook.

Upper Right: No garden? Walls on the north side of the house cast welcome shade. For a nook that's dim, cool, and likely avoids street noise.

Left: And finally, Zeterre Landscape Architecture keeps it simple. Large trees + picnic table + summer. Does it get any better?

There are as many ways to create a cozy shady nook as their are places perfect for them. We’d love to hear how you create a little space of your own. Comment below.

Images:

Top: Matthew Williams

2nd row: Upper left: Matthew Williams; Upper right: Just in Thyme Landscape Design: original source unknown.

3rd row: Upper left: Landscape East & West; Lower left: Garden Nest Residential Landscape Design; Lower right: original source unknown.

4th row: Upper left: The Carter Rohrer Company; Upper right: Danes Custom Homes; Lower left: Zeterre Landscape Architecture

Previous Post  Next Post 
2019-08-06 14:56:00
Jacquie Wierenga
we Live on a farm in southern Alberta, 50 km north west of Lethbridge and about 150 km south of Calgary, I would like to transplant 3 peonies from one side of my yard , they are now on the west side of a house in full shade, where ( as far as light & sun) should I move them too & when?
reply Reply
D. L. Bahr
Love these nooks. I made a shady nook UNDER my east-facing deck (deck is 6ft off the ground). Hanging vines and plants trail down from the sides or through the slats in the deck floor above. Use a trellis or two on side(s) for privacy with climbing plants. Surround the space with in-ground plants and container shrubs, etc. Hang a wind-chime or two and add your favorite garden decor along with a couple of comfortable chairs and cushions. This is my church!
reply Reply
Tarre Smith
OMG, I want to copy every one of these plant by plant, word for word ..... thank you. I have the room, now for the energy to get them all done.
reply Reply
Becky scheller
My husband created a nook under shade trees that were already in our yard . it is circular with shrubs and hostas,ferns and other plants surrounding two chairs on a patio. In the center of the brick patio is a mill stone that was found hidden on our farm.
reply Reply
Susan
How long does it take climbing hydrangeas to cover an arbor?
reply Reply
Carol
It would be helpful and very appreciated if you noted some of the beautiful plants that were used.
reply Reply
Lydia McCowin
You should write a garden book of things like books, patios, pergolas, etc. For different regions and name the materials used and identify the specific plants in the pictures
reply Reply
john shaver
I am a small landscape designer. I have been doing this for about 15 years. I never fail to get some ideas from your web site! Great job!!! and thanks (Louisville,Ky)
reply Reply
Dawn D. Jackson
I do appreciate these newsletters. Thank you.
reply Reply
syed nuruzzaman
Please provide me names of plants grows in 90% shade areas around privacy fences. I need shrubs grow not more than 6 feet tall. Some ground cover flowering plants and some flowering vines on PVC 6 feet high fences . Most of the areas have only 10% to 0% direct sunlight. Total fence length is over 200 feet. Also send information if I can place order online and their contact information and phone number. Thank you.
reply Reply
Sally
I love all those great shade ideas for the garden. I have four garden sitting rooms of shade areas for sitting. But in Santa Rosa California we have to watch our water. It cost a lot to water here unfortunately. We need low to no water plants for dry shade . Native plants work well in my space for more sun. Except were I indulge in the courtyard that has redwoods, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas, ferns, fuchsia, maples. The side of house all warm shade as well. Thanks
reply Reply
Jeanette Wells
Loved the shady nook places and how they were designed. Thank you
reply Reply
Gayle
What are the tall pink flowers in the shade? Are they for zones 5-6?
reply Reply
Yolanda Hope
Love thr beautiful garden designs.
reply Reply

Please login to comment.

Don't have an account?

Sign Up for free