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Note: This section is now in the archives and the advice service has finished but feel welcome to look over these previously posted questions and answers.
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Question:
My garden gets full sun for most of the day and I'd like to incorporate some shaded area. What's the best way of doing this?
Answer:
There's nothing like sitting outside on a hot sunny day, but for comfort (and safety), it really does make sense to incorporate a shaded area within the garden. There are a number of ways of doing this:
Plant a tree
It might sound a bit obvious, but a tree is the best shade provider of all - although you may need to wait a while for the canopy to thicken out. When choosing a tree there are a few considerations to bear in mind.
Plant a deciduous tree if winter light is an issue.
An evergreen tree near a swimming pool or pond will avoid the problem of autumn leaf fall.
For a 'dappled' effect select a tree with a light canopy such as a Silver Birch or Gleditsia. Conversely, if you want heavy shade choose something with a dense canopy (and remember the grass may struggle where there's little light!)
Keep 1 square metre of ground around the tree clear of grass until the tree is well established. This will prevent competition for nutrients. (and cover this area with organic mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weed growth)
Construct a pergola
This is a great addition to the garden, providing the perfect shady retreat. If you can, build the overhead beams to a height of 2.5 metres - this will provide the perfect support for a vast selection of climbing plants.
A grape vine will provide good summer shade with the added bonus of fruit, or choose an ornamental vine such as Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea' for colourful foliage.
Try a fragrant flowering climber such as Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) or a good old fashioned climbing rose.
For the 'wow' factor plant a vibrant bougainvillea, or, for something a little more restrained, try Wisteria.
Combine a selection of early, mid and late-season clematis for an extended display of flowers.
Build a summerhouse.
A little more substantial than a pergola, a summerhouse has a roof (and sometimes solid or trellis walls). This gives it certain advantages.
The roof provides immediate shade - no waiting for plants to mature.
It can be used when it's raining.
The walls protect against the wind.
It can provide a good shelter for the more tender container grown plants.
When it comes to creating an area of shade you can be as ambitious or keep it as uncomplicated as you like. I've seen some fantastic constructions including a man-made concrete cave and underground grotto (very shady indeed!) - but sometimes just a simple sun umbrella or shade cloth over a sunny patio or deck will provide adequate sun protection.
More answered queries Here
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