Garden shade solutions
20 Cool Shade Ideas for Your Patio or Backyard
By
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.
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and
Lacey Ramburger
Lacey Ramburger
Lacey Ramburger is a personality assessment expert based in Kansas City, Missouri, with more than five years of experience. Her areas of expertise include Zodiac, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram. She is the author of the book "Being Whole" and dozens of articles on personality assessments and relationships.
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Updated on 12/23/22
Fact checked by
Jessica Wrubel
Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.
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The Spruce / Almar Creative
While it's relaxing and restorative to spend time outdoors, not everyone wants to or should be exposing themselves to the sun's rays. So, when planning an outdoor living room, dining room, or other outdoor space, include at least one source of shade in your designs so that you can benefit from the fresh air without being constantly exposed to direct sunlight. Below, we've gathered some of our favorite shade ideas for patios and backyards.
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01 of 20
Opt for Umbrellas
@herzenstimme / Instagram
When seeking shade, go back to the basics. This modern backyard celebrates the heyday of swimming pool culture and style, with chairs set up on the side under a large white patio umbrella. The weights attached at the top ensure the umbrella isn't going anywhere, so you can feel free to keep your attention focused on other important matters—like absolute relaxation.
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02 of 20
Install a Pergola
@kirsten.diane / Instagram
One of the most popular ways to add shade to your outdoor paradise is by installing a pergola. You can leave a pergola entirely uninhibited or use covers and screens to keep the sun at bay. In this case, sheer curtains cover the top and the sides for a little extra privacy.
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03 of 20
Construct a Stylish Overhang
@life_of_isatu / Instagram
Spaced a few feet away from the house, this patio features a constructed overhang that keeps things shady in a stylish way. The simple additions of plants, string lights, and a rug add an additional dose of charm.
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04 of 20
Layer It Up
A Beautiful Mess
This pastel rainbow-striped backyard patio from A Beautiful Mess has a DIY pergola and a portable umbrella to double filter harsh rays and protect your al fresco meal from getting soaked in a sudden rainstorm.
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05 of 20
Upgrade to an Oversized Umbrella
Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions
Why stick with a normal umbrella if you have the option to go up a size—bigger is always better, right? This square-shaped oversized umbrella includes a lightbulb for when the day comes to a close, and it provides more than enough coverage to keep the sun out of everyone's eyes. Don't let the size fool you, though—if you want to move the umbrella out of the way, it can easily be swiveled around rather than remaining fixed in its place.
The 9 Best Outdoor Patio Umbrellas of 2022, Tested and Reviewed
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06 of 20
Update the Awning
Design by Calimia Home
Your grandparents may have had tin awnings on their 1950's tract home, but they've come a long way since the days when door-to-door salespeople would compete for new homeowners' business. Contemporary awnings are softer, made of more pliable and longer-lasting materials, and, quite simply, better looking—like the gray and white striped pattern shown in this patio.
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07 of 20
Use Trees for Shade
Design by Desiree Burns Interiors
The oldest source of shade is a tree, especially a nice big one with twisting, sculptural limbs. The builders of this deck made the unique decision to build the deck around the tree, as opposed to cutting it down. It looks right at home where it is and provides the perfect amount of shade— a tree can lower a home's temperature by as much as 20 degrees or more during the hot months. Think seriously before chopping one down and replacing it with a patio cover.
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08 of 20
Add an Outdoor Day Bed
Design by House of One / Photo by Lifestyle Production Group
If you've got the space and the budget, there's nothing more luxurious than adding an outdoor daybed to your backyard patio. This poolside four-poster canopy daybed from House of One has tie-back curtains and a solid roof that will protect you from the sun so that you grab a well deserved summer afternoon nap without worrying about waking up with a sunburn.
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09 of 20
Create Multiple Dining and Shaded Spaces
@ladylandscape / Instagram
Landscape designer Melanie Rekola of @ladylandscape is often asked why she creates so many different seating and shaded areas when she designs a landscape. "It gives the option to chase the sun, the shade," she says, "and also offers shelter from rain/wind as needed to adapt to the changing weather conditions of any given day."
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10 of 20
Fence It Off
@allie_wilson_home / Instagram
Creating an entertainment area away from your home can give you the freedom to add extra seating. To ensure your guests stay as comfortable as possible, build a pergola in the corner of your lot, with some additional wall panels that provide a layer of sun protection as well as privacy.
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11 of 20
Add Greenery
Mindy Gayer Design Co.
Even if your backyard doesn't include mature trees, you can build your shady outdoor space in the shade of an ivy-covered wall, a row of hedges, or some planted young trees that will grow fuller with time, like this backyard seating area from Mindy Gayer Design Co.
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12 of 20
Grow a Tree Canopy
@thelaundrygarden / Instagram
While patio and fabrics covers are certainly capable of blocking the sun's rays, sometimes there are more natural options available. This simple structure is made up of several fast-growing smaller trees that provide the perfect canopy of shade. The structure blends in perfectly with the rest of the flourishing garden that surrounds it.
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13 of 20
Zone It Out
Dazey Den
Having the space to create multiple entertainment areas is an absolute dream. While this desert home from Dazey Den already had a small garden and a fire pit surrounded by vibrant red chairs, a constructed white canopy hosts a comfortable seating area with thick curtains on each side to provide shade when needed or desired.
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14 of 20
Add Boho Style
@jcdesign1.1 / Instagram
This backyard patio from @jcdesign1.1 has boho style and a shade umbrella to match, with tassels that complement the rattan table and midcentury modern-style wishbone chairs. Plus it has a lightweight base, making it easy to move around.
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15 of 20
Hang a Triangle Sun Shade Sail
L2 Design, LLC
When working with smaller spaces, a triangle sun shade sail like the one seen in this outdoor space from L2 Design, LLC can be an ideal fit. The shape tends to be very accommodating when there isn't a ton of room to work with, yet doesn't hesitate to do its job of providing much-needed shade. Plus it's got a streamlined look that will appeal to minimalists.
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16 of 20
Build a Cabana
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Margaret Austin Photo
Cathie Hong Interiors installed an open air cabana outfitted with a spacious sectional set back from the pool that offers a shady spot on the large open poolside terrace during daytime, and a comfy spot for cocktails after dark.
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17 of 20
Look to a Loggia
@ladylandscape / Instagram
Looking for something a bit more upscale? Loggias are covered spaces that typically stretch along the length of a building—and they usually include columns and arches of some sort. While it takes some extra effort, the result can add an extra feeling of elegance and luxury to your outdoor space while keeping things cool and comfortable, like this space from @ladylandscape.
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18 of 20
Create a Relaxing Covered Terrace
@afrobohemianliving / Instagram
This outdoor terrace from Afro Bohemian Living includes all the necessities to enjoy an evening outdoors. To keep the sun from beaming down too harshly, the area is covered by a simple structure with reed mats placed on top to keep things cool.
The Best Pergola Kits to Elevate Your Backyard Experience
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19 of 20
Go Poolside
@ladylandscape / Instagram
Poolside shade doesn't have to come solely from a patio umbrella. You can also opt to add a covered structure of your choosing with perfectly arranged patio furniture underneath, just like this backyard from @ladylandscape. The tilted top adds plenty of coverage, and the entire area looks spacious and open—a perfect place to cool down after a sunny day by the pool.
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20 of 20
Add Wrap-Around Curtains
Fantastic Frank
When creating a shady spot on your backyard patio, it's important to add cover from the sun overhead. But don't forget to give yourself the option to block too-harsh rays beaming in from the sides by hanging billowing white gauze curtains around the periphery, like this outdoor patio from Fantastic Frank.
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Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands. United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Garden shade ideas to shelter from the sun in style
As much as we all love the sun, sometimes you need a break from direct rays while still being outside. Enter garden shade ideas to bring you the best of both worlds.
Our favourite kinds of garden ideas are those which add a solution to our outdoor space. Shade is a must for every garden, because there are points of the summer where you just need a gentle respite. This may be to cool down slightly or to protect yourself from harmful UVA rays.
Even if you're not sunbathing, a shady garden allows you to spend more time tending to gardening tasks. So shade ideas benefit everyone in the family.
Garden shade ideas
These garden shade ideas offer solutions for creating shade in order to make an outdoor dining or seating area a pleasure to use on even the brightest of summer days.
1. Choose a two-in-one solution
(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)
When considering what garden furniture ideas are best for your space, make sure to think about shade. Look for options which have integrated parasols, roofs or covers.
We especially love a simple outdoor dining table with a space in the centre to insert a parasol. This essentially combines the best of freestanding and built in parasols. You can put in whatever style fits your style or theme, but you've got support and you're not taking up any more room in your garden.
2. Work with overhanging foliage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
While most may think of overhanging trees and hedges as a nuisance, you can work with, rather than against, to enjoy shady spaces. Equally as good for front garden ideas as for back, this is a simple and cheap way of adding shade.
Work out which area of your garden gets the most shade from overhanging plants and plan around this accordingly. Supplement with your own planting to add a deeper cover if you need.
3. Choose a shapely style
(Image credit: Future PLC/Frenchie Christogatin)
Sails, shades and awnings are all too often thought of as clinical or commercial. Add some personality to yours by looking at more decorative options. As well as pretty colours and prints that complement your planting, there are shapely styles, too.
A curved sail will add softness to your space, while still working hard to offer you shade.
4. Invest in a hard-working pergola
(Image credit: SUNS)
Pergolas are a great option for garden shade ideas. Consider an option which offers more options than just protecting you from direct sunlight.
Choose a design with vented roof shutters, like this design from SUNS , so you can choose how much sun or shade you want. These pergolas also have the option of side screens, meaning your area will be protected from the other elements, like rain and wind.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Max Attenborough)
Shade designs don't have to be complicated or expensive - easy garden ideas are perfect for helping you out. A simple fabric canopy creates shade wherever and whenever it is needed, and choosing a bright colour will make it a ‘destination' in a large garden too.
Outdoor fabrics have the benefit of being showerproof, strain-resistant, UV and fade-resistant, but an improvised shade in a sturdy interiors fabric will stand up to occasional use too. Simply attach the fabric to surrounding trees.
6. Plant trees for shade
(Image credit: Future PLC)
An alternative garden shade idea is to incorporate mindful planting into your garden design, so that you know there will always be some form of a shady spot to retreat to.
Wether that's shaping shrubs or trees to provide a canopy of lush green or simply rethinking a layout so the patio is near existing trees, be mindful on the light quality when planning your garden layout.
7. Float a simple sail
(Image credit: Dobbies)
Create a small shaded spot with the simple placement of a sail shade gazebo. This example by Dobbies is just the thing to float above a seating area to welcome a break from sitting directly in the path of scorching sun beams. The lightweight sail shade is quick to assemble and fast becomes a garden essential, perfect for a whole range of outdoor events, from family gatherings to spontaneous BBQs and more.
The simple shade solution boasts a robust powder-coated rust resistant steel frame plus a durable polyester canopy for protection from the elements. Come rain or shine, a sail gazebo has you covered.
8. Shelter beneath a canopy of plants
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Scarboro)
Encourage climbing plants to take up residence on a terrace pergola to provide a beautifully natural shaded area. This garden shade idea is beneficial for adding a charming touch of planting and colour to a patio area.
While also highly-practical for providing a shaded area on the terrace beneath, offering the ideal safe spot for lunch.
9. Move with the times throughout the day
(Image credit: Future PLC)
A freestanding, lightweight parasol allows the freedom to follow the sun and move the positioning depending on the time of day. A moveable shade solution is ideal on patio areas that are far-removed from the house, where there is no tree covering to offer any protection from the sun.
10. Attach an awning to shade a patio
(Image credit: Chris Everard)
To save space on having a sizeable parasol on the garden decking or patio area, not to mention the storage for out-of-season months, consider a smart awning. Having an awning attached to the rear exterior wall allows you to have a retractable source of shade, as and when you need it – and in a matter of minutes.
Many of the modern designs are now electrical, making the job even easier. The average cost of an awning starts from around £200, and can range to anywhere up to £8,000.
11. Stick to natural cover
(Image credit: Simon Scarboro)
A patio area immediately off the kitchen is the ideal place for a permanent structure to shade a dining area. Keep the scheme simple and rustic with a covering of wooden lengths laid across a solid wooden frame. A simple willow slatted framework feels light and airy, and seems to float in the space.
12. Seek shade with a garden room
(Image credit: Garden House Design)
Timber structures have long made favourite garden shelters, and there is a vast choice of styles beyond the standard summerhouse. This contemporary pergola offers a private place to sit away from the glaring rays of the sun and the gaze of neighbours.
The Maluwi Canopy garden room can be attached to an existing wall or house, or freestanding. The multi functional aluminium and timber canopy comes in a variety of lengths to suits gardens of all sizes. With water-resistant walls, plus lighting and heating options this really is a structure for all seasons.
Of course a garden structure of this stature is not a cheap option, but it is well-worth the investment for creating an alfresco space to enjoy for all seasons - explore garden room costs.
13. Weigh in with a fixed parasol
(Image credit: Future PLC/Nick Pope)
A solid parasol, the likes of which are used by restaurants and hotels will be a practical solution for a patio and won't wobble and fall over as soon as the wind picks up. Weight it down with concrete for extra stability. A wall mounted parasol is a great solution for a small garden idea and offers flexibility for angling to protect from the sun.
14. Add an arbour for a charming touch
(Image credit: Future PLC/Spike Powell)
In a country-style garden an arbour is ideal for adding a charming area to seek a seat in the shade. The wooden structure adds character to the surrounding garden while providing a much-needed spot for shade. Add outdoor cushions to make the seating experience all the more comfortable.
In this picturesque cottage garden idea the arbour is surrounding by country-style planting and accessories, including a bistro table and chairs set. Garden arbours are suitable for all budgets, they start from £185 at Wickes but you can spend a lot more at other high-end garden retailers.
15. Shade in serene green
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Hiscock)
Enclosing patio seating in lush planting, not only cools the area, it has a cocooning effect that will envelop the space in scent, colour and the sound of breeze through the leaves. Add a fabric awning over the pergola structure until the green has grown in pace, for fine-tuning the shade on the sunniest days.
How do I make shade in my garden?
Making shade in the garden is easier than you'd think. There are a wealth of options to provide shade, for all garden types and all budgets. For those looking to keep options cheap and simple, a fabric canopy is the perfect solution. Ensure the material is an outdoor fabric that will offer a level of protection from harmful sun rays. Specialist outdoor fabrics have the benefit of being showerproof, strain-resistant, UV and fade-resistant.
A canvas parasol is another reliable and affordable way to offer shade for a garden. Plus a parasol is handy for every style of garden, from small courtyards to large gardens with a pool – there are many fabulous designs on offer t cater for each gardens needs.
10 ways to add light to the shady corners of the garden. Photo — Botanichka
Playing with optical illusions, the contrast of light and dark leaves, snow-white blooms and various textures gives a special charm to the most secluded areas of the garden. But almost always in landscaping shady corners of the garden, it is about the balance of light and shadow, the introduction of illuminating elements that can change the gloomy picture. Bright explosions of color, characteristic of flower beds, mixborders and garden seating areas, rarely touch shady areas. But there are many tools that allow you to play with bright accents and colors even without planting special plants. nine0003 10 ways to add light to shady corners of the garden. © Dave Roberts
Garden nook color schemes
Nooks and crannies still seem boring and uninspiring to many. There are so many opportunities to experiment with colors in the garden, but not many people think about bringing bright colors to places where there is a thick or openwork shadow, to places that captivate only with coolness and silence. In modern design, boring decoration with thick, gloomy edges or solid texture in shady corners of the garden has long gone into oblivion. But not many designers decide to get involved in coloristic techniques in the shade. nine0003
Nooks and crannies of the garden - the realm of white and delicate, light shades of pale tones, in which the full potential of white is used to change the character of compositions and bring cheerfulness. This situation is explained very simply: few variegated and flowering plants are actually able to grow well in shading, especially in strong shade.
Light-leaved plants, especially brightly colored ground covers, some grasses and shade-tolerant flowering perennials - the choice is not so great. But there are also plants that can be used for splashes of color even in the nooks and crannies of the garden. And the choice is not limited to plants only. nine0003
Color schemes for shady corners of the garden can be divided into landscaping - associated with the choice of plants with a certain color - and technical, using accessories, materials and additional decor to create color accents. There are a lot of non-plant ways to bring color to where the shadow reigns, here the fantasy is actually limited only by the courage, budget and style of the garden. But even among plants, the choice is not as modest as it seems at first glance.
Let's take a closer look at a dozen design options, as well as small and large tricks to help bring color to even the most shaded corners of the garden.
1. Search for bright flowering crops
Among plants that can bloom in the shade, there are not so few beautiful flowering crops, although the number of their species is not measured in dozens. Bright cyclamens and crocuses, violet rugs, cornflowers, cinquefoils and aquilegias, Siberian irises, bluebells, hellebore, primroses, liverworts, loosestrife, lupins, some daylilies, astilba shade queens - all of them can offer a choice of far from only white colors. nine0003
Do not forget about rhododendrons and panicled or tree hydrangeas, which can be used to decorate shady areas. Berry bushes - cotoneasters and vesicles - will also complement the list of flowering plants.
From annuals in shading, you can experiment with the introduction of brightly colored varieties of balsams into compositions. Pansies, lobularia, lobelia, forget-me-nots, nasturtium, mattiola, nemesia, daisies, ageratum, cineraria, matrikaria, mimulyus, adonis can settle in containers and in the foreground of the compositions. nine0003 Among plants that can bloom in the shade, there are not so few beautifully flowering crops, the most famous is astilba. © Herbert Frei
2. Betting on Leaves
Flowering in the shade never lasts as long as it does in well-lit areas, and even the most elaborate compositions lose their best color accents. In order for color to be constantly present in landscaping, you need to carefully choose plants with a stake in decorative leaves. And if shade-loving hosts, although variegated, are rarely colored, their competitors offer more interesting colors. nine0003
The first plant to come to the rescue when looking for color solutions for eyeshadow is Heuchera, which offers amazingly rich variations in reds and metallic textures. Her company can be made up of original varieties of garden geraniums, dark leaves of the tenacious, variegated varieties of euonymus, silver of wormwood, gold of reeds, sedges, sesleria, boron, canary grass, pike, ozhiki - there is something to choose from.
To ensure that color is always present in landscaping, you need to carefully choose plants with a focus on decorative leaves. © Patrick Standish3. Soaring vines
Among the ornamental vines, there are many species that can grow in the shade and even bloom spectacularly. After all, plants rushing up receive much more light in their upper part of the crown. The absolute favorite of landscaping in secluded areas is clematis, especially not too large-flowered and new varieties, but old, non-capricious, time-tested species plants. Lilac and blue color options in the shade look especially good, and clematis roots never overheat. nine0003
Wood pliers will easily bring yellow colors into the shade - both at the time of flowering and in autumn, surprising with bright red fruits as a “bonus”. And here is another shade-tolerant competitor - petiolate hydrangea - unfortunately, it will not be able to offer other options besides a white palette of colors.
The absolute favorite of landscaping in secluded areas is clematis. © Gardening Know How4. Bright supports for ordinary plants
In a shady corner, it is worth deciding on bold experiments even in the matter of tying plants. It does not matter whether we are talking about supports for vines - walls, obelisks, pyramids, arches, columns, tripods, etc. - or about simple posts, to which the lodging flower stalks of high perennials are tied up and sheaves of cereals are pulled together, they should be painted in the brightest colors. You can use supporting structures as an original color accent even for completely non-colored ivy. nine0003 In a shady corner, it is worth daring experiments even in the matter of supporting plants, whether it be a wall, pergola, arch or other. © Jolly Lane Greenhouse
5. Furniture that dazzles with paint
The choice of garden furniture today is surprisingly wide. In addition to classic and modern minimalist models, you can find bright, cheerful, catchy models made of wood, plastic, metal and other materials in catalogs and on the shelves. Even a simple bench that can be placed in the shade for relaxing in the summer heat, a small stone for sitting and reading, as if a chair accidentally forgotten in the thick shade, can become the most striking decoration of a seemingly modest corner. nine0003
Whether you want to repaint the old furniture yourself, playing with color, ornaments and pattern combinations, or simply buy new models made of colored acrylic and plastic, the choice is yours.
Don't forget about textiles - relaxing in a cool corner will be three times more pleasant if you take a soft colorful pillow or a cozy colorful blanket with you.
Don't be afraid to paint your furniture a bright color! © ericchavez6. Garden sculptures and their "relatives"
Small architecture objects are strikingly diverse not only in style, size and materials, but also in color. An ordinary statue or a cheerful animal does not always have to be dim. After all, you can pay tribute to the fashion for minimalism in a shady corner and place several mutually resonant cubes or columns of colored concrete, fix an original stained-glass window or a colored forged sculpture, paint an old bird cage, fountain or drinker in a dazzling color, play with rainbow colors in a sundial. nine0003
Even a small imitation of garden ruins, a false door or wicket, an old ladder, a spinning wheel, a railing, a balustrade can appear in a new light if color painting is added. Bright small arbors or pavilions, their purely decorative counterparts - all of them can be not only white or wooden, but also red, yellow, blue, pink - whatever your heart desires.
Garden sculptures or plant containers can be red, yellow, blue, pink - whatever your heart desires. © alphazeta7. Colored mulch, stones and decorative borders
The easiest and most versatile decorative tool to use in the shade - stones and boulders. Even if you do not have a small rock garden in shading, this does not mean that color cannot be added to the composition using boulders or beautiful large stones. Today, the choice of rocks is so great that it is not limited to neutral colors only: among the stones you can find all shades of gray, and original beige-red-orange solutions. nine0003
Natural stone costs a lot, but there are alternatives that require much more modest costs - neat colored concrete tiles and colored clinker bricks. A stepping path or 2-3 tiles for “entry” to the site, a neat volumetric border, a “hatch” hidden near a large curtain will bring soft but bright colors to the ensembles.
A wide selection of decorative mulches - from painted bark, sawdust and stone chips - presents a chance to find an interesting color palette. It is not necessary to cover the soil only with brown bark and light gravel: in the decor, you can freely use multi-colored aquarium soils and numerous dumps, the assortment of which can be assessed in any garden center and building hypermarket. nine0003
Decorative borders, steel bands, plastic fences, miniature fences and wattle fences, neat concrete posts that can be used to frame compositions in the shade, always look smart, but can also look bright. Painting with dazzling acrylic paints or choosing from the original color options allows you to complement the look of the garden with bright frames.
A wide selection of decorative mulches presents a chance to find an interesting color palette. © Gardening Know How8. Practical impractical "little things"
In any shady corner, you can create an additional work corner, arrange a rack for storing containers for planting, place a small “chest” for sand or mulch, put a bright composter cabinet or just a water tank.
Even in such trifles as plant markings, it is worth deciding to add a little color: brightly colored plates with the names of species or varieties will help you not to get lost in the collection of ferns or rhododendrons. And if you paint the pegs with a pointer bright yellow and cover with a sticky compound, you can do two things at once - create a trap for aphids and an interesting accent. nine0003 In any shady corner, you can create a bright work rack or tool cabinet. © Espacebuzz
9. Potted and potted - in addition
The choice of plants that can be planted directly in the soil is more extensive among annual stars. But in shady corners, it is not necessary to fill only clearings or specially designated areas with them: annuals and biennials can be placed in containers, colorful pots and containers, put them side by side, creating additional decoration, accent, and color spots. nine0003
Since the pots can always be lifted to a new level or placed on the path, in more lighted places, the “set” of shade-tolerant flyers can also be expanded with traditional pot garden stars.
Light-loving plants can also be planted in shady corners of the garden, but in containers that need more light. © dboy10. Playing with colored lighting
Lighting in the garden has long ceased to fulfill only practical functions. Fashionable LED lamps and models with small solar panels that glow in the dark, accumulating energy during the day, like ordinary garden lamps, can also be used to direct the eye towards the most beautiful plants in the evening garden. nine0003
In the shade, additional illumination creates a particularly striking contrast. If instead of ordinary light bulbs you use colored ones, then you can make the night picture in the secluded remote corners of the garden even brighter than the daytime landscape.
In the shade, additional illumination creates a particularly striking contrast. © ColumbusWhichever option you use, you must remember that even in the most remote corner it is worth creating a harmonious picture, one with the rest of the garden. Compliance with the style of the garden and the color scheme chosen for it are mandatory principles even at the stage of experiments. nine0003
When choosing color solutions for compositions in the shade, you need to focus on those color combinations that are already used in flower beds, choose materials related to the house and areas with paths, remember that all garden furniture should be in harmony with each other, avoid decisions that are alien to the rest of the plot .
In a regular garden, they play strictly with color, in a landscape garden they rely on natural transitions, but in a rustic garden they allow the most cheerful solutions. Even if you are decorating a small corner in the shade in a different style, it is worth paying attention to the overall concept and developing a sketch to create a cohesive, easy-to-read composition. nine0003
12 design ideas for a shaded garden (design photo)
She gives the desired coolness; without legs, it moves around the garden, giving it depth and mystery. The mysterious lady of the half world named Shadow can be completely different - she is full of contrasts and half-tones, which indirectly affect our emotional state and directly - on the choice of suitable plants in our favorite garden. Let's learn more about her habits and whims!
Penumbra, or diffused light, reigns in places that are caressed by the rays of the sun for no more than 4-5 hours a day. Its characteristic constant play of highlights, coolness and higher humidity have a beneficial effect on many green tenants, such as astilba, astrantia or fern. And even among the sun-loving herbaceous perennials, there are many that tolerate an openwork shadow well, for example, the highlander candle-shaped or the basilisk of Delavaya. nine0003
But in full shade, say, on the north side of a tall building or under trees and shrubs with a large and dense crown, sunlight is chronically lacking. Here, only the most resistant can survive, such as periwinkle (Vinca) or ivy.
What design is best suited for your shady garden? You can clearly structure the site by laying flower beds of strict geometric shapes. Or, on the contrary, make your green oasis more intriguing, with a predominance of smooth lines and transitions, that is, close to nature. The choice of a stylistic strategy largely depends on the specific conditions: for example, an imitation of a forest clearing will look better under a sprawling large tree, and a formal “rectilinear” style is more appropriate in the heavy shade of a building or in courtyards. nine0003
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The “half-light” scattered by deciduous trees pacifies, but a sharp thick shadow from the house can make you feel sad and depressing. However, each case is different: for example, the corner on the east side of the building, illuminated by the morning sun, is quite suitable for a terrace where you can have breakfast and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Alas, there are much fewer flower plants adapted to the shade than sun-loving ones. But among the shade-tolerant ones, there are plenty of decorative-leaved beauties with different structures, shapes and colors of leaves - it’s worth betting on them when decorating a shady corner, because it is these modest heroes that set the tone in such places. nine0003
For example, Goryanka (Epimedium), Rogersia (Rodgersia) and host (Hosta), although they originate from East Asia, grow well in our latitudes.
Flower beds of Darmera and Rogersia (Rodgcrsia) look very dynamic with large leaves in combination with filigree ornamental grasses and ferns. For colorfulness, they can be diluted with floral herbaceous perennials such as Astrantia (Astrantia), Cimicifuga (Cimicifuga) and Astilbe (Astilbe).
When choosing a color scheme for planting in the shade, give preference to plants with variegated white-green leaves and white flowers - in dark corners they will serve as so-called illuminators.
Pastel blues, pinks and lilacs also work best in low light. And finally, one cannot help but recall a couple of undeniable advantages of shady flower beds: dense plantings with hardy herbaceous perennials bypass weeds, and moisture from the soil does not evaporate as quickly as in the sun. nine0003
See also: DIY small garden design
3. With pergola, densely braided with wisteria and clematis. a shaded far corner in the garden has turned into a cozy place for leisure, protected from prying eyes.
4. Stylish solution: a flower garden with a geyhera (Heuchera) and a bell (Campanula) is enough to add a suitable accessory, such as a clay figurine, and the composition will take place!
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5. Lush herbaceous perennials such as geranium and Aureola hakonechloa adorn the winding clinker path.
6. White-pink flowers of large astrantia (Astrantia major) look like openwork buttons. This filigree herbaceous perennial captivates with the charm of naturalness. The plant reproduces well by self-sowing.
7.Warm tones in partial shade
Two lush ferns - 1 female kochedyzhnik (Athyrium filix-femina) - spread their openwork leaves, as if grabbing a catchy 2 irengeshoma palmata, which is decorated with delicate yellow flowers and maple-like leaves. On the right brings bright colors to the composition 3 adenophora hybrid (Adenophora hybride) 'Amethyst' with blue-violet bell-shaped flowers. In the foreground, 4 muscariform liriope (Liriope muscari) with thin grassy leaves attracts the eye. In August - September, she has remarkable candle-shaped inflorescences. Liriope complements the orange-yellow 5 Meconopsis cambrica 'Aurantiaca', which appears in all its glory only in cool shade. nine0003
Reference by topic: Landscaping of the site - where to start: arrangement of the territory around the cottage
8. Shade-tolerant tall representatives of the flora, such as the dioecious Volzhanka (Aruncus dioicus), are magnificent and solo. The tenderness of the white lush inflorescences of the plant emphasizes the bright background of the red structure.
9. Steps organically look in the arms of thickets of Meconopsis Cambrian (Meconopsis cambrica), corydalis and variegated hosta 'Golden Tiara'. nine0003
10. Plants for a raised flower bed in partial shade, intentionally matched tone on tone : this is a classic option that always looks harmonious. In all its glory, "pets" appear at the peak of summer. At this time, compact pink inflorescences of 1 knotweed (Polygonum amplexicaule) 'Anna' appear. Nearby, with every breath of the breeze, lovely panicles of 2 drooping sedges (Carex pendula) with picturesquely drooping beautiful leaves sway. In July, the composition is supported by purple-red heads of 3 large astrantia (Astrantia major) Abbey Road. 4 Heuchera hybride 'Obsidian' with dark red leaves and lovely pink inflorescences adds color to the blazing flower bonfire. Ground cover 5 Geranium hybride (Geranium hybride) 'Sue Crug' creeps between the geyhers, which from July to September enchants with pink-purple flowers. nine0003
11. White-green oasis under the trees
In this example, the tall and short plants are planted in a layered arrangement as they would normally grow in nature, with the tallest in the background and the shortest in the foreground. On the right, stately 1 aconite (Aconitum napellus) proudly stretches upwards, which blooms from July to August. Nearby, 2 horse-chestnut Rogers (Rodgersia aesculifolia) fluffed their unusual huge leaves. It contrasts beautifully with 3 Delavayi (Thalictrum delavayi) Album, a delicate herbaceous perennial with airy openwork inflorescences that are great for cutting. On the left, the flower garden is decorated with one of the most beautiful summer flowering plants - 4 large-leaved hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), whose snow-white balls-inflorescences attract the eye with incredible sizes. In the center is an unusually hardy 5 male shield (Dryopteris filixmas). The edge of the flower bed is brightened by the wide oval leaves of the variegated 6 hosta hybrid (Hosta hybride) 'Patriot'.