I was suprised that searches in this forum with the words "shade" or "wood", and variations of these, would get not a single hit. Nor did I find references to books on these subjects across the site. Is it that the search engine was not working at the time or what?

So, I ask nevertheless : do some of you have enjoyed good books you would strongly suggest about gardening or garden design in the shade or woodland?

Huntress

Myself, I can mention Shady retreats : 20 plans for colorful, private spaces by Barbara W Ellis (Storey books, 2003). This is less about gardening itself, but mostly a nice source of inspiration for layout of garden plans and accessories.

I also heard about a recent book published last May: Making the Most of Shade: How to Plan, Plant, and Grow a Fabulous Garden That Lightens Up the Shadows by Larry Hodgson (2005). I look forward to browse through it. I do not know if this book provides a real new contribution or is only some digest of the shade sections from his well written books about, respectively, perennials, shrubs, annuals and bulbs. I will keep this forum informed.

Other suggestions anyone?