On a hot afternoon, dappled shade in the aspen grove offers a cool retreat. Several steps into the trees and it's a whole new world fu1l of twisting twirling leaves, changing patterns of light and dark, the soft rustle of leaves. For several years I have been developing this part of our landscape.
   It all started with a group of aspen growing in a patch of weeds. Last summer I got rid of the weeds by covering the ground with black plastic topped with a layer of sawdust. In the fall I planted several varieties of shrubs in the aspen grove: orange and yellow deciduous azaleas, several Russet buffalo berries (Shepherdia canadensis), and one of our native ninebark . The azaleas are blooming now, they add a spicy fragrance as well as a bright spot of color. Russet buffalo berry is one of my favorite native shrubs. It's thick, dark green leaves reflect sunlight and have a subtle, refreshing scent. The ninebark flowers resemble those of bridal wreath and are in bloom now in the woods. Both are drought tolerant and worthy of a place in the landscape.
   This spring, now that the plastic has smothered the weeds, I will plant drifts of various low growing, perennial ground covers: sweet woodruff (Gahum odorata), creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), phlox stolonifera x paniculata'Spring delight', Geranium 'Claridge Druce', Geranium macrorrhinzum.'Spessart' and Aruncus aesthusifolius.
   Sweet woodruff forms a fast growing, 6 to 12" carpet of white star-like flowers and whorled bright green leaves. It is in bloom now in my garden. Blue creeping phlox'Oakington Blue' (8") is especially lovely with aspen foliage as is the bright pink phlox,'Spring Delight' (12-15"). Both do well in light shade. Perennial geraniums perform well in partly shady locations.
   Taller perennials for the grove include Jacob's ladder (Polemonium), ferns, hosta, Astilbe 'Sprite', foxgloves, and bleeding hearts.
   Happy gardening!
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