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GARDENING IN THE SHADE
UNLOCKING THE HIDDEN POTENTIAL OF YOUR LANDSCAPE

Think a shady garden has to be green and boring? Think again. Discover how to transform low-light spaces into vibrant, four-season landscapes filled with color, texture, and ecological value. In Gardening in the Shade, you’ll learn how to evaluate different types of shade, select outstanding plants for Zone 7 conditions, and which plants create depth, contrast, and year-round interest. Beyond the basics, we’ll explore how trees influence soil moisture, why some shade gardens thrive while others struggle, and how to use foliage, form, and seasonal succession to create memorable garden experiences. The class will then walk through LGBG’s shady gardens to see these applications in real time. Whether you’re gardening beneath mature oaks, along woodland edges, in the suburbs, or in urban shade, you’ll leave with practical strategies, plant recommendations, and fresh inspiration to unlock the potential of challenging spaces to create some of the most beautiful areas of your landscape.

Fees: Member $37, Non-Member $46

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Member $37

Register Non-Member $46

Date:
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time:
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Event Details

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking through the Garden.

Peggy singlemannAbout the Instructor

Peggy Singlemann is the host and co-producer of Virginia Home Grown on VPM/PBS, Virginia’s only local gardening show, where she has been involved since 2001 and became host in 2016. The show has earned 13 Telly Awards and is broadcast statewide and nationally online. Through her business, RVA Gardener LLC, Peggy works as a horticulture consultant, garden coach, and speaker. A published author, podcast guest and national speaker, she holds multiple certifications — including ISA certified arborist and VSLD certified landscape designer — and has served on boards such as the Southern Garden History Society. Peggy was honored as the 2016 VNLA Professional of the Year and received a Virginia General Assembly commendation in 2022 for her work at Maymont, where she served as Director of Horticulture during her 38-year career. In 2025, she was featured in Virginia Living magazine. Peggy enjoys hiking, kayaking, bird watching, and gardening at home with her family.