How to Grow a Thriving Shade Garden: Fort Bend County Master Gardeners Presents Free Masterclass for Katy and Fulshear Homeowners
When it comes to backyard gardening in Katy and Fulshear, most homeowners focus on sun-soaked flower beds and vegetable patches. But shady areas—under tree canopies, along north-facing fences, or beside covered patios—hold untapped potential for beauty and biodiversity. On Friday, May 23 at 1:00 PM, Fort Bend County Master Gardeners (FBCMG) invite local residents to uncover this hidden potential with a free virtual class: Shade Gardening: Ideas and Tips.
Presented in partnership with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the class is part of the Landscape Success series—a seven-part program designed to help homeowners make smart, sustainable landscaping choices tailored to the local climate and soil.
What to Expect from the Shade Gardening Class
Hosted online and led by Master Gardener Suma Mudan, a dedicated plant enthusiast since 2014, the session will provide practical advice on selecting, planting, and maintaining shade-tolerant species. Participants will gain insight into which plants truly thrive without direct sunlight and how to design a visually appealing shade garden with layered textures, foliage colors, and low-maintenance beauty.
The event is free, and all who register will receive a link to the class recording, ensuring they can revisit the expert guidance anytime.
Registration is open now at fortbend.agrilife.org/landscape-success.
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The Power and Potential of Shade Gardens
Many residential landscapes in the Katy and Fulshear area include shaded spaces—whether under mature trees, along fences, or near patio overhangs. These areas are often overlooked or underused, yet they hold great potential for lush, water-wise landscaping. Shade gardens not only make use of every corner of your yard but can also help conserve water, promote biodiversity, and provide cooling benefits during the region’s intense summer heat.
Popular shade-loving plants for Gulf Coast gardens include ferns, hostas, caladiums, and native groundcovers like horseherb and pigeonberry—all of which contribute to healthier, more resilient outdoor spaces.
About the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners
The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are a group of trained volunteers passionate about horticulture and committed to educating the public on sound gardening practices. Working alongside the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, they offer workshops, demonstrations, school programs, and hands-on advice to help residents make environmentally responsible choices in their gardens.
The Landscape Success series is one of their flagship programs, aimed at helping Fort Bend homeowners overcome common landscaping challenges like clay soils, erratic rainfall, and pest management. Each class in the series builds on local expertise and scientific research to empower gardeners with the tools they need for lasting success.
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Get Involved
Whether you’re an experienced gardener looking to explore new terrain or a beginner hoping to revive a shaded corner of your yard, this class offers a welcoming and knowledge-rich environment. Questions? Contact Brandy Rader at 281-342-3034 or email brandy.rader@ag.tamu.edu.
To learn more about the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners and their range of educational programs, visit fbmg.org or call 281-341-7068.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
