Are you looking to add to get away from those harmful UV rays by adding shaded areas to your garden? When the sun is out, while we love its warmth, too much of it is not always a good thing. Here we explore garden shading and discuss ideas such as shade sails, gazebos vs pergolas, and other structures to add shade.
Whether you are a keen gardener, an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good garden party, creating the right balance between sunny and shaded spots is important. If you are curious about how to achieve that harmony, keep reading. We’ll take you through the essentials of shade for gardens and inspire you with some enticing garden shade solutions and garden shade structures.
Why creating shade in the garden is crucial
Creating some shade in the garden is not just about aesthetics; it is vital. Having a shaded spot can be a lifesaver during blazing hot summer days. We all need a place to cool down and escape the sun's harsh rays. Plants benefit from sun shelters too, as constant sun can stress them out and damage them.
Shade also helps to keep furniture and decor from fading or getting damaged. Shaded areas also tend to become the perfect spot for relaxing or hosting garden parties. Trust me, your friends and family will thank you for it. Honestly, a garden with the right balance of sun and shade is perfect for outdoor living.
Garden shade ideas
Are you looking to transform your garden into a cool retreat, especially during those blazing summer days? Explore these fresh garden shade ideas that are both functional and fabulously stylish:
- Bamboo screens - providing a natural, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional fencing, bamboo screening has gained popularity in recent years. Lightweight and chic these screens let just the right amount of light filter through
- Boho-style parasols - these are not just for the beach. A boho parasol in the garden gives off a festival feel and are effective sun shelters
- Decorative metal panels - a bit industrial, but also quite artistic. They provide privacy and are perfect for a contemporary garden design
- DIY canopies - grab some fabric and make your own DIY shade. It is a budget-friendly way to add a unique touch and show off your craft skills
- Floating curtains - for a dreamlike look, hang some light, airy curtains. They move with the breeze, creating a shifting shade
- Hanging plants - increase the amount of vegetation and shade. Hanging plants can be used for both decorative and functional purposes
- Lush tree canopies - although the procedure of planting trees is time-consuming, it is worthwhile. They will enrich the garden's ecosystem and offer passive shade
- Pergolas and climbers - pergolas are timeless and popular in UK gardens. Train some climbers or vines, and you will have a green garden canopy in no time
- Pop-up gazebos – these are perfect for gatherings. They are easy to set up when you need them and can be stored away afterwards
- Re-purposed sails – do you have an old sail? Why not turn it into a shade? It is a nautical twist that is both eco-friendly and innovative
- Slatted wood structures – the final in our list of garden shade ideas provides a modern touch. They are not just practical; they are a real design statement too
What are shade sails for gardens?
You have probably seen triangles or rectangles floating above outdoor spaces. Those are shade sails, and they are a great shade option for gardens. They are made from durable fabric, stretched out and anchored at various points, providing shade while still letting in a touch of sunlight. Shade sails for gardens are ideal for creating a perfect chill spot outdoors without going all out on full-blown construction.
What is a gazebo?
Have you ever been to a garden party and noticed a cool standalone structure that everyone is drawn to like a magnet? That is a gazebo. They are freestanding, often octagonal (such as the 20x15 Palmako Betty Garden Pavilion Luxury Gazebo) or round shelters with a solid roof and open sides and are perfect for some outdoor living without the sunburn. Whether it is a garden BBQ or a rainy-day read, gazebos are a perfect place for garden relaxation. Our 8' x 6' Palram Canopia Austin 2400 BBQ Shelter Gazebo - Black (2.84m x 1.8m) is a good example of one of our products to take a look at.
What is a pergola?
Think of a pergola as a garden accent with vertical columns supporting crossbeams and, occasionally, a latticed roof. It is a go-to option if you are dreaming of a space draped in vines or hanging plants. Unlike gazebos, they are not always completely covered on top. Think of them as the chilled, laid-back cousin of gazebos offering partial shade.
Using shade plants for gardens
Another option is shade plants for gardens. These help to create shade naturally and aid some lush colour to any garden and are an eco-friendly option.
8 popular shade plants for UK gardens
If you are looking to transform your sun-blasted garden into a cooler area, these shade-creating plants are a real must-buy. In addition to providing sun protection, they also add a sense of calm vegetation to your surroundings:
- Beech (Fagus sylvatica) - seasonally, their enormous canopy's tint shifts from bright green to crisp copper, plant a beech tree for great shade cover
- Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) - the dogwood shrub provides more than simply shade; in the winter, its scarlet stems are a star attraction. It is a year-round present for your landscape when combined with its summer foliage
- Ferns - if you want something that feels and looks aged, ferns are a terrific choice. They add a quirky woodland feel to any environment and provide shaded areas along walls or behind trees
- Holly (Ilex aquifolium) - holly's thorny leaves are ideal for creating shady areas despite their sharp appearance. Over the Christmas season, let us not forget about their characteristic red berries!
- Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) - hornbeam is a UK native and is a real showstopper thanks to its lush green garden canopy. The leaves turn a stunning golden-yellow as fall approaches, bringing a festive atmosphere to your outdoor space
- Rhododendron - the theatrical queens of the garden, these enormous plants are bold and alluring. Their evergreen foliage provides year-round cover, and they have colourful flowers too
- Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) - Rowan trees provide lush foliage and cooling shade. The local birds will love the autumn berries, which are also very beautiful to look at
- Yew (Taxus baccata) - possesses a lot of vegetation that makes for nice shadows. Yew trees are both traditional and fashionable. They require little maintenance and can even be pruned into fashionable shapes if desired
Shade sails vs gazebos vs pergolas vs shade plants
When sprucing up the garden, it is all about finding what works for you. In the table below we break down the essential characteristics of four shade options:
|
Characteristic |
Shade Sails |
Gazebos |
Pergolas |
Shade Plants |
|
Style |
Contemporary |
Cosy retreat |
Architectural chic |
Green serenity |
|
Main purpose |
Sun protection |
Sheltered hangout |
Structure for climbers |
Lush coverage in low light |
|
Installation effort |
Pretty chill |
Bit of a project |
Weekend DIY |
Plant and watch them grow |
|
Flexibility |
Repositionable |
Some can be moved |
Pretty static |
Where they are planted, they stay |
|
Shade amount |
Depends on placement |
Full on shade |
Partial, artistic shadows |
Varies by plant height & spread |
|
Weather friendliness |
Good for sunny days |
Rain or shine |
Bit of both |
Loves the drizzle, but the sun... not so much |
|
Lifespan |
A few years, maybe more |
Long, with care |
Ages gracefully |
Seasons come and go |
|
Maintenance |
Occasionally tighten |
Clean & maybe repaint |
Check for creepers |
A little water, some love |
Other garden shade structures and garden shade solutions
When beating the sun's glare in your garden, there are plenty of creative garden shade structures and garden shade solutions to consider. Here are a few other picks to consider:
- Awnings - extendable canvas realness, waterproof awnings are a sun-blocker for patios and decks, and are useful at keeping rain out too
- Canopies - like pop-up tents but for your garden, canopies are a quick fix for unexpected sunny forecasts
- Green tunnels - natural shade paths made with plants; it is like Mother Nature's own shade corridor
- Shade nets - these mesh wonders are effective sun shades and provide breathable shade, perfect for keeping plants cool
- Trellises – featuring beautiful lattices, garden trellises support climbing plants and cast dappled shadows
- Umbrellas - not just for the beach; garden umbrellas give you shade right where you want it, with no hassle
How to create garden shade on a budget
So, you are keen to get that outdoor chill spot, but your bank balance is not quite on the same page for some of our previous garden shade ideas. There is no need to stress. There are many ways of how to create garden shade without breaking the bank. Here is how you can provide sun shades without costing a fortune.
A first port of call should be local charity shops or online marketplaces. You would be surprised at the gems people give away, such as old curtains, sheets, or even large pieces of fabric that can be transformed into makeshift canopies. With DIY spirit and some ropes, you can hang this overhead for a boho, relaxed décor plan. Not only do you save cash, but you also get to flex your creative muscles.
In closing
Creating shade in your garden offers both functional and aesthetic benefits. Not only does it provide a respite from the scorching sun, but it also prevents damage to plants and furniture. A balanced garden is one with sun and shade, which makes it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
There are many ways to introduce shade for gardens, from natural bamboo screens and lush tree canopies to innovative shade sails and classic pergolas. Whether you are aiming for a contemporary feel or a green oasis, there is an option to suit every preference and budget. Embrace these ideas and transform your garden into a comfy retreat.
How to reach us
If you need assistance with garden shade solutions and tips about how to create garden shade with our product range, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team are gardening experts with many years of experience and can provide advice on topics such as comparing a gazebo vs pergola, shade sails for gardens, or choosing shade plants for gardens.
Contact Buy Sheds Direct using:
- Phone at 0333 003 0514
- Email – by completing our contact form
- Live text chat – simply click the app icon to speak to us in real-time
