Why You Need More Shade in a Garden
It isn't even spring yet and temperatures are already heating up which could be a sign of heat during summer and why you should look at designing your garden for more shade.
16/08/2023
With temperatures already in the mid-twenties and it is still winter, it does not bode well for the spring and summer ahead and we may well experience even hotter temperatures if the weather around the globe is any indication. Many countries are reporting higher than usual temperatures during summer and this gives us a little bit of time in advance to plan a way to add shade to our outdoor areas.
Recent news reports from around the world indicate that temperatures in July 2023 have surpassed previous years by 1.12 degrees C.
https://www.noaa.gov/news/record-shattering-earth-had-its-hottest-july-in-174-years
Build a Pergola
While you may have considered adding this to your garden in the past, this is still one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects that is affordable and garden-friendly. Building a pergola yourself lets you design what you need to erect the frame and how you want to finish it off. Perhaps you want a roof of reeds or thatch, hang canvas over the top of the frame, or you can even put together everything you need to have a retractable fabric covering. Going the DIY route does offer advantages in your favour.
Look online for plans and instructions to build a pergola and then shop around for the best prices for materials to make it. I have found that it is far cheaper to buy unplaned, untreated timber since the cost is around half that of planed timber, and I just spend a bit more time sanding if I want a smooth finish. Since the pergola is outdoors, treated timber is recommended but if you are prepared to put in the effort to apply an exterior sealer every so often, you can use unplaned, untreated timber. There are plenty of timber merchants out there around the country where you can obtain unplaned timber such as pine, meranti, saligna and others and will save yourself a bundle this way.
If you like the idea of having creepers or climbers up the sides and over the top of a pergola, design it in such as way that you have a cover to provide shade for the time being and that will give any plants the chance to reach a good height. Although not many are fond of bougainvillaea, I have several in the garden in different jewel colours and these grow quickly when planted in the right environment.
SHUTTERSTOCK
Planting fast-growing plants along the sides, around the edge or over the top will help keep the temperature down. Plants that offer shade act as natural air conditioners both inside and outside and their cooling power will make a pergola even more comfortable.
If you don't think you have the skills to build a pergola yourself, there is always the option of substituting this with a gazebo.
Buy a Gazebo
Although it won't be as cool as a pergola, putting up a gazebo will still provide you with a shady option. Just keep in mind that darker fabrics absorb more heat and will transfer this heat inside whereas a lighter colour will not. You can pick up a small, basic gazebo for around R700 while a much larger one will cost anywhere from R1200 upwards depending on the size and any included accessories.
If you decide on the gazebo option make a small side investment and purchase a 3-speed pedestal fan that can be used inside the gazebo when it really gets hot. Have the fan facing inside and make sure that the back of the fan is not blocked in any way so that it can pull through cool air. If you have a decent budget to spend, you could also consider a misting fan that blows a cool mist into the space. Either type of fan will also keep mozzies at bay when you want to spend time outdoors in the evening.
OZmist.com.au
Invest in a Shade Umbrella
On a smaller scale and more affordable price-wise is to invest in a shade umbrella, preferably one that will provide shade over a large area. Shop for one in a light colour that will better reflect light. A cantilever-type shade umbrella is the best investment as you can adjust the direction and angle to provide shade where you need it.
July 27 (Reuters) - July 2023 is set to upend previous heat benchmarks, U.N. Secretary-general António Guterres said on Thursday after scientists said it was on track to be the world's hottest month on record.
Hang Shade Sails
Shade sails are another solution for bringing shade to the garden as long as you have a place where to hang them up. These can block out up to 90% of UV rays and are available in different shapes and sizes for gardens large or small. You can pick these up at Builders at a cost of R600 upwards depending on the size and shape.
If you don't have anywhere to hang a shade sail, you may need to install supports using pressure-treated lumber or steel poles bedded in concrete. This will allow you to place the supports where you want to hang the shade sail.
Final Note
Any of the solutions above would bring much-needed shade to a garden and provide respite from the heat. You could also look at planting small trees that offer a shady canopy over certain areas in the garden or be creative and come up with your own ideas. With temperatures already rocketing to the early twenties in August and it still officially winter, one can only hope that our summer temperatures don't get too high this year.
