Question
I live in zone 5, my backyard is full of beautiful oaks and hickories. My husband recently built an amazing 18x42 deck on the back of the house. Under the deck there is a concrete slab...about 12x12 maybe. I want to turn the space under my deck into a shade garden that me and my girlfriends can enjoy. The basement is a walk-out right onto this slab and I think it would be perfect because our basement is finished with a bar and we entertain a lot down there. I need perennials that will grow in shade. I have two young children so nothing poisonous. I've done a lot of googling but I not only need help finding the plants, I need help planning. I want walkways and lights. Maybe a water feature. I want to really go all out. The space under the deck because it's attached to the sunroom is 18x54 the slab sits smack dab in the middle . I don't care if I can't have a lot of flowers. I know there aren't many that will bloom in full shade. I love hostas and things like that. It doesn't have to be all flowery and frilly. I LOVE getting out and working in the yard so even high maintenance plants are fine. I won't be starting this project for probably 3 more weeks so take your time answering please don't feel rushed. I'm sure you have plenty of questions that need answering. Thank you in advance for ANY information and advice you can give me.
-Michelle

Answer

Shade Garden Certainly fern, hosta, astible, dicentra, brunnera, heuchera, ladies mantle, cimicifuga, lily of the valley, etc all make great shade garden plants.  As to the poisonous issues, do some research on google and you'll find that few plants are actually treacherous unless a child were to ingest a large amount of it...

For water features, which I love - especially in shade gardens... you might want to check out the spectacular fountains at Campania International.

To plan the space, you may want to invest in a modest landscape design plan.  That will give you a clear 'map' of the space and a distinctive, definite plan to follow.  If you want to get more information on that, including cost, etc. please let me know.

Sounds like a great project.  Good luck!