Shade and Woodland Plants

Members of the Shade and Woodland Plants Group are a community of gardeners with a special interest in plants adapted to grow in these conditions. Most gardens have shade, whether under trees or in areas overshadowed by walls or buildings. The ground may vary greatly from soil that is rich and moisture retentive to that which is poor and dry. Here, perhaps more than in other areas, we need to put the right plant in the right place to ensure a good display.

With members scattered across the UK and abroad, the Group aims to establish an exchange of information and advice about growing shade tolerant plants and from this create a web-based archive available to the public.

Annual Meeting and AGM

The Group meets in the spring, and in different parts of the country which should give all members the opportunity to attend at least some of these events.  The morning includes a lecture, plant sale and raffle, followed by an afternoon visit to a nearby garden or nursery.  

Go to Upcoming Events on this page to find the details of the 2026 meeting.

4 Seasons in the Shade

4 Seasons in the Shade is the new quarterly e-newsletter featuring articles about plants adapted for shade and images of plants and gardens, as well as hints and tips from our members. Members of the Shade & Woodland Group will receive each issue, which will continue to be available on the website at a later date.

The Editor welcomes all contributions at [email protected]

Read editions of Shade Monthly dating back to 2016 here.

Facebook Group

Our new Facebook group allows all HPS members to share their photos, comments and experience of growing in the shade. You will be asked to answer 3 questions when requesting admission to the group.

Visit our Facebook Group here

Membership of the Group

Membership of the Shade and Woodland Plants Group is open to all Hardy Plant Society members.

The group’s annual subscription will run from 1st January to 31st December each year:

• £5.00 per annum or £6.00 for two people living at the same address
• Overseas members: £7 p.a. (£8 joint)
• Payments can only be accepted in sterling.

Joining the Group

Join this group online by visiting our Shop.

Electronic application (preferred)
Please e-mail personal details as requested on the Application Form then make an electronic transfer from your bank account using the following details:

• Account: Shade and Woodland Plants Group
• Sort code: 52-10-19
• Account No: 14891530
• Reference: Your last name and HPS membership number (please make sure you include this so we can link your payment to your application). Your membership number has 6 digits, starting with the figure 8, and can be obtained by contacting [email protected]

Postal application

Temporarily suspended – please check back or contact the group direct

Payment by Standing Order

You may wish to complete the shadestandingorder form so that your annual subscription is paid on 1st January annually. This simplifies the administration of subscriptions and many HPS members already do this for their national subscription.