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 Who doesn't look
forward to relaxing with a nice cold drink in a shady spot on a hot
summers day? As plants do take time to become
established (some less than others), planning for shade is planting for
the future. If the only shade in your garden is the shady side of the
house, you might want to consider some changes.
Shade not only provides
us with a comfy spot to sit around in, it can also help to control the
climate inside your home.
Seasonal Shade provides
you with shelter from the hot summer sun and allows the warming winter sun
to shine through when we need it. This is particularly useful for North or
West facing windows and verandahs. Seasonal shade for these areas can be
achieved in various ways. Deciduous Climbers such as Wisteria or Grape.
You will need to provide a sturdy frame but will be rewarded with a
relatively quick shade covering.
Deciduous Trees take a
little longer but will eventually shade a much larger area. Consider the
mature size of the tree and make sure there is plenty of space for it to
grow to its natural shape. These may be chosen for their showy autumn leaf
colours as with Chinese Tallow or Japanese Maple or for their spring
floral display as with Crabapple and flowering Prunus species.
Evergreen Trees can also provide seasonal
shade. Species with a long narrow trunk and broad crown such as many
Eucalypts will allow the lower winter sun to shine through and provide
 shelter
from the summer sun above.
Year Round
Shade can be provided by evergreen trees, shrubs and climbers, some
creating heavy shade, others dappled shade. Not everybody wants shade.
When choosing plants for other purposes such as screening or specimen
consider where the shade will eventually fall and how it may affect the
plants growing below. Also, consider your neighbours, especially with
deciduous trees and swimming pools.
While you wait for your
shading plants to grow, some immediate shade can be provided by market
umbrellas or shade sails.
One generation plants the trees .... the
next sits in the shade. |
