Creating shade in your garden not only helps keep your outdoor space cool during the summer months but also provides a comfortable environment for you to enjoy nature at its best. While direct sunlight can be wonderful, having areas of shade is crucial for spending time outdoors comfortably, especially in hot weather. Moreover, certain plants and flowers thrive in shaded areas, enhancing the diversity and beauty of your garden. Here are some of the best ways to create shade in your garden.
Plant Shade Trees
Shade trees are a natural and aesthetically pleasing way to create shade in your garden. These trees, often large with wide-spreading canopies, can provide ample shade and significantly reduce the temperature underneath. An excellent example of a shade tree is the Japanese maple. While smaller than typical shade trees, a mature Japanese maple can provide a substantial amount of shade, and its beautiful foliage adds an artistic touch to any garden. Other options include Oak, Elm, and Maple trees, all known for their extensive canopies.
Install a Pergola or Gazebo
Structures like pergolas and gazebos are also effective ways to create shaded areas in your garden. These structures can be focal points of your garden, providing a space to relax, dine, or entertain. Planting climbing plants like wisteria or ivy can provide additional shade and create a beautiful, living canopy.
Use Shade Sails
Shade sails are a contemporary, cost-effective way to create shade in your garden. Made from durable, weather-resistant fabric, they are designed to “sail” over your outdoor space, providing UV protection and shade. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to choose one that best fits your garden’s design and size.
Create a Living Wall or Privacy Screen
A living wall or a privacy screen made up of tall plants or climbing vines can create a shaded area while also enhancing privacy. Bamboo, for instance, grows quickly and provides excellent coverage. Clematis, honeysuckle, and climbing roses can also create a beautiful, fragrant living screen.
Plant Shrubs and Bushes
Smaller than trees but larger than typical garden plants, shrubs, and bushes can provide shade at a lower level, perfect for protecting more delicate plants. Hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and viburnums are excellent choices, providing not just shade but also beautiful flowers and lush foliage.
Add an Umbrella or Canopy
Another flexible and stylish way to create shade in your garden is by adding an umbrella or a canopy. These are particularly effective for creating shade over patio furniture or a picnic table. Outdoor umbrellas and canopies come in various styles, sizes, and colors, allowing you to match them with your outdoor decor.
Creating shade in your garden enhances the overall comfort of your outdoor space, inviting you to spend more time outdoors. Whether you’re enjoying a meal, reading a book, or simply relaxing, having a shaded retreat enriches your outdoor experience. It also adds depth and intrigue to your garden design, providing opportunities to grow a wider variety of plants.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
