Farmers are well aware of the wind-reduction properties of trees. For countless generations they have planted rows of towering trees to act as windbreaks, protecting valuable crops. In smaller gardens, however, a tree’s ability to reduce wind and air circulation can have a harmful effect, especially in humid climates.
In any garden where disease is a [...]
Some trees, such as maples and elms, naturally produce a great mass of surface roots. Other trees that are normally deep-rooting will often produce quantities of surface roots when planted in a garden situation merely to take advantage of the frequent, shallow irrigation from sprinklers. In either case, too many roots in a planting area [...]
There are two basic methods of pruning, thinning and heading back, both of which are usually necessary at some time in the life of a tree. Thinning means to take out whole branches, and produces a more open, graceful-looking specimen. Thinning is the most important type of pruning you can do if your objective is [...]
Shade is a desirable element in the garden only up to a point. If your garden feels dark and dank because it is too heavily shaded by overgrown trees, you will want to prune them back so that you will have full use of your space. If you have moved into a home with an [...]
Besides the trees described below, consider Acer palmatum, Acer circinatum, Cercis canadensis, and appropriate Cornus species, all discussed in the Plant Selection Guide section as small trees suitable for use beneath a canopy of tall trees. In milder climates all will grow in full sun.
Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe Tree; Hardy to Zone 5) is deciduous, with [...]
Few people would disagree that trees provide the best and most beautiful shade of all, but not everyone has the patience to wait for a small shade tree to mature. If there are already mature shade trees in your garden, count your blessings. It’s much easier to modify existing trees to meet your needs than [...]
Among the great number of evergreen vines, here are a few of the best for shade structures:
Bougainvillea species and varieties (Bougainvillea; Hardy in Zone 10), once established, are fast growing to 15 to 25 feet. Bougainvillea needs sturdy supports and tying, despite its hooked spines and twining stems. Its “flowers” are actually bracts, appearing over [...]
Here are some of the best deciduous vines for shade structures:
Actinidia chinensis (Chinese Gooseberry, Kiwi Vine; Hardy to Zone 8 grows rapidly to 30 feet, forming woody stems. This vine climbs by twining, and should be tied to a structure. The 2-inch creamy flowers, which appear in early summer, are fragrant and moderately showy. The [...]
You have probably already begun to think about how vines might be used to soften your garden structure and create more shade. Vines also add their own individual beauty to the garden. Many flower, and some have fragrant flowers. A few produce edible fruit. All can shelter an area from the wind and make it [...]
Shade structures in the garden are nothing new. Mesopotamian pergolas and Egyptian, Persian, and Oriental pavilions offer evidence that structures have been a part of gardens for as long as people have gardened. Many names, some synonymous and some overlapping, designate shade structures: pergola, gazebo, belvedere, summer house, pavilion, garden house, ramada, lath house, casino, [...]
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