How Can I Shade My Plants From the Summer Sun?

Creating Shade With Plants

• Planting vines on trellises is one of the most attractive ways to create shade with plants. You can do this near flower beds that contain delicate perennials such as black cohosh, balloon flowers and pansies. For vegetables like midsummer lettuce that need shade, plant taller vegetables such as pole beans nearby to provide the needed shade.

Arbors and Pergolas

• Lath-covered arbors and pergolas are man-made structures that provide shade for plants in summer and blend in well with the overall landscape. Plant flowering vines near the supporting posts for a more attractive look. If possible to do so, position the lath strips so that they run north and south. This will allow the shade to shift with the movement of the sun during the day from east to west.

Garden Umbrellas

• Use large garden umbrellas as a quick and easy way to provide shade in summer. Either fit them in the center of garden tables or attach them them to self-supporting weighted stands. Self-supported umbrellas allow for ease in moving them wherever they are needed in the garden.