So named because they thrive in the dappled light under much larger trees, understory trees -- redbuds, dogwoods, and Japanese maples -- play an important role in the landscape. Redbuds and dogwoods provide spectacular blooms, while Japanese maples offer striking leaf colors and shapes.

Best of all, all three grow well in our neck of the woods, requiring very little care. And within the world of trees, they don’t get very large (15 to 30 feet tall, although Japanese maples are available in dwarf varieties), making them ideal for small gardens, even courtyards.

Although the brilliant spring flowers that upright and weeping redbuds are famous for have largely faded away, the foliage of some varieties is just beginning to shine. That’s especially true of ‘The Rising Sun’ and ‘Flame Thrower’, whose extraordinary leaf colors will shatter any preconceptions you might have about redbuds. And both provide a dynamic and ever-changing mix of colors from spring to fall. But all redbuds are worth considering for your landscape.

The native species of these beauties are showing their stuff right now, and the effect created by their flowers, whether white or pink, is often jaw-dropping. Soon to follow in flower are the Asian species, which produce large fruits that birds gobble up like candy. If you like dogwoods -- and honestly, who doesn’t? --  I suggest you plant both types to extend the bloom period. And though often overlooked for their fall foliage, it’s beautiful too.

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I’ve written lengthy posts about Japanese maples in the past because I think they’re among the most beautiful trees on the planet. They offer immense variety in terms of leaf shape (palmate or dissected), growth habit (upright or weeping), and leaf color (primarily red or green, but available in other colors, and even variegated). And the range of sizes is considerable, from dwarfs that do well in pots to upright forms that may reach 35 feet or more.

Aronia (Chokeberry), Aucubas, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Itea (Sweetspire), Serviceberry, Viburnums, and Yews thrive in the understory environment. In fact, though often sold as plants for shade they’ll likely flower more when exposed to either a few hours of morning light or dappled light throughout the day.

And among dogwoods, there are several shrub forms available, including the standout known as ‘Garden Glow’. Its chartreusezy-yellow leaves are gorgeous, and its dainty white flowers are a bonus.

Plants in pots solve problems. Period. Whether it’s framing the entrance to your home with upright evergreens or flowering shrubs, adding color and texture to your patio or pool with annuals and tropicals, creating a focal point in your garden, or simply growing vegetables and herbs, containers are key.