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, [...]
One of the most popular shade structures is a simple patio roof. Its construction can be quick and inexpensive. Whether the roof is attached to the house or standing free, the basic framework is the same: posts, supporting beams, and rafters. The type of patio roof you choose determines how sturdy the framework must be [...]
Protected spots in the garden can take many forms, from a simple patio roof, to an elaborate freestanding structure, to a grove of shade trees. We will take a look at the full range of options, all of which offer varying degrees and types of shade and protection. In addition to determining the amount of [...]
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| By N2H | |||||||