Spring provides an embarrassment of riches for woodland gardens and shaded borders. The challenge for is to keep the garden colorful throughout the growing season. The key to success is to layer the garden the way nature layers her woodlands and glades. Employ plants with exceptional form and varied textures that persist after the ephemerals have acquiesced, such as filigreed ferns, arching Solomon’s seals, and soft sedges. Weaving richly textured groundcovers, shrubs and understory trees into a seamless tapestry provides color through the seasons.