The Shade Garden contains a wide variety of shade-tolerant plant species. The garden is divided into seven sections named in honor of the seven districts of The Garden Club of Georgia: Laurel, Azalea, Oleander, Camellia, Magnolia, Dogwood and Redbud. With the exception of Oleander, the seven sections feature plant collections reflective of the district names. Because oleanders are not reliably hardy in Athens and do not flower well in shade, this section contains a collection of viburnums.

Fall color along a path in the upper Shade Garden

Prominent architectural features of the Shade Garden are the wisteria covered arbor situated on the Azalea District Plaza and the Mathis Plaza with pool and sculpture, La Grazia Dello Stelo (The Graceful Stem) by Athens sculptor John Kehoe. The Mathis Plaza honors the first president of the Friends of the Garden, William Mathis.

The Shade Garden is most colorful in spring when the dogwoods and azaleas are in flower but is interesting year-round. Shade gardens are particularly popular in the South where they offer respite from hot summer sun and temperatures. Gently sloping walkways and handrails make the Shade Garden easily accessible to people with disabilities.

Azaleas in bloom