Shade Gardening

2 CNPS credits

Instructor:  Ed Davis, Assistant Director of UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Class Date:  Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 6-8pm

Class Description:  Shade gardening offers a unique opportunity to create cool, peaceful outdoor spaces that thrive in low-light conditions. We’ll explore the best hardy plants for shade gardens USDA zones 7&8, focusing on how to select, arrange, and care for them. Participants will learn how to design functional, beautiful landscapes that work well in partial to full shade, from understory trees to ground covers, with an emphasis on native plants and sustainability. Whether you're starting a new shade garden or enhancing an existing one, this class will help you choose the right plants and design strategies to cultivate a thriving shade garden in your own backyard or your clients.

Class Format: In-person

Location: McMillan Greenhouse (9090 Craver Road, Charlotte, NC)

Cost: $25 

Parking: Please note that UNC Charlotte does require a valid parking permit to park on campus Monday-Friday. If you do not hold a permit, we recommend that you park in a visitor deck. These decks currently cost $5 for the first hour, and $2 for each additional hour. There is a $15 a day maximum charge. We also have 5 free visitor spots directly in front of the Greenhouse. Those spots are first come, first serve, and often fill up quickly.

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If you have any questions, please contact garden-education@charlotte.edu.