Decorating your garden can be a hugely rewarding experience. There are so many different looks and finishes which can be achieved. From a minimalist modern vibe to cottage core, to Japanese and even tropical. There are so many delicious choices to make regarding landscaping, sculptures, flowerbeds, water features and play and sports equipment.
Once you’ve spent lots of time, money, and care to get it just right you want to get as much use out of it as possible. Well, the last cherry on top is picking out the perfect shade. Come rain or shine, having an option for shade is always a good idea and will increase the use of your garden year-round. Here are some fashionable and practical ideas for creating that perfected shaded area in your garden.
Shade Sail
This option is a good idea for larger gardens in particular. It is essentially a canopy with a twist, as it is a suspended piece of fabric floating over the top of the garden. It looks rather like a sail from a boat, with angular edges and crisp lines, thus gaining its name.
A shade sail needs strong anchor points from walls or poles. One benefit is that they can create coverage without taking up any ground space and are great at creating modern styles. They can be taken up and down when required and are visually very impressive. Shade sails are usually for those who want to have a shaded area without having to worry about any bulky bases or ground points taking up room.
Gazebo
The lovely gazebo! These can be a grand feature piece, a simple affair, or the focal point of a garden gathering. Gazebos are very good for creating structure and order in the garden. They can create the illusion of separate areas, and so are great for BBQs, parties, fitness areas, and or even a spot for afternoon tea. These can vary greatly on expense and function, depending on need. If you want your gazebo to have a longer lifespan and to be a statement piece, then it may be worth taking your time to invest in a high-quality model and have it built professionally. For events or seasonal needs, there are cheaper pop-up gazebos available in all sorts of different sizes and styles.
Parasol
You can’t go wrong with a good parasol. A tried and tested favourite over the years, parasols come in many varieties of forms and sizes, so you are guaranteed to always find one that fits your garden perfectly. They are easy to put up and take down, move around and simple to store. If you invest in a sturdy base, then you can move them around the garden wherever shade is required no matter the time of day or season. This is especially good for those with children, as when the paddling pool comes out in the summer the parasol can keep the area shaded as they splash and play!
Pergola
For those who are looking for a little bit of shade while also making the most of natural sunlight and the sight of the big blue sky, then a pergola may be a good choice. Pergolas can be built either freestanding or attached to the side of a building. And like a gazebo, they have a large coverage area underneath. However, instead of a solid roof, they are slatted. This allows for a medium zone between sunlight and shade. For those with green fingers, you can also create some fairy-tale magic by growing vines up the sides, or hanging decorations and bunting along the slats.
Awning
One of the most popular choices for a shaded area in the garden is the beloved awning. These are attached along the back of buildings, usually above the back door or conservatory, to create a shaded area underneath. There is a great range of choices with these, as they come in varieties of size, shape, design and can be either electric or manual powered. Awnings are often waterproof, provide great UV protection and are typically installed by professionals. A classic favourite for garden design, these have strong favourites for both personal use and commercial businesses alike.
With a little thought and imagination, there are many different ways to create beautiful and practical shaded areas in your garden. From whimsical pergolas to cute parasols, or great shade sails to buzzing gazebos, there is no lack of choice. Creating the optimal shaded area can extend the use of your garden in all weather conditions and all seasons. Which one do you like best?