Summer is around the corner, and a lot of us will be spending more time in our garden. While there are days when you may want to catch a tan, there could be other times when you want a retreat from the heat. Finding ways to add shade to your garden can give you the option to cool off while still spending time outdoors. Below are 5 different ways to add shade to your garden.
Trees
Trees are a natural source of shade that can also provide privacy and sport many environmental benefits. It’s possible to plant a mature tree for instant shade, or you can grow a tree from a sapling and benefit from shade in the long run. When planting trees, try to keep them away from structures and consider the impact they may have on your neighbours. For ample shade, it’s best to choose a very leafy tree with long extending branches. Deciduous trees will shed their leaves in the winter, which could allow your garden to get more sun during the less brighter months.
Parasols
Parasols are umbrellas designed to provide shade. While trees are permanent, parasols can be taken down and moved easily, providing more flexible shade. You could consider a freestanding patio umbrella, or you could consider a table parasol. Just be sure to choose a suitable table such as this rattan garden table with parasol hole. While parasols are easy to move around, it’s worth noting that they typically only provide shade to a relatively small area.
Sun sails
Sun sails are sheets of canvas attached to strings and typically placed over social outdoor areas like patios or decks. They can be hung in a flexible way to provide maximum shade and cost less than other canopies. Sun sails are not so good at providing snow or rain cover and may become easily weighed down. You also need to make sure that they’re securely tied to stop them blowing away in high winds.
Gazebos
A gazebo is a freestanding structure with open sides and an opaque roof to provide shade. Gazebos come in many different forms from temporary gazebos made from fabric and poles to permanent gazebos built from wood and fixed in one place. Gazebos are often very decorative and may also be able to provide some shelter from the rain. They are more expensive than a sun sail though. Pergolas are a type of gazebo with a slatted roof to provide dappled shade. Marquees meanwhile have covered sides and are made from fabric like a tent.
Awnings
An awning is a type of canopy that is fixed to a wall or fence. It is designed to hang over a patio or deck. Awnings can be made from fabric or hard materials, and can be fixed or retractable. There are even fancy options such as glass awnings with a retractable opaque cover – giving you the option of sun or shade, while still providing a hard canopy above to protect from rain, tree debris or bird droppings.
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© Copyright 2025 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
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