Backyard Sun Shades for Flowers
Many flowers that enjoy full sun in cool climates are simply too delicate to survive without summer shade in warmer climates. Other species need shade even in cool weather and wither in full sun. A shading device in the backyard makes it possible to grow some of these unique flowering plants where conditions would otherwise be inhospitable, while creating a pleasant oasis in the midst of summer for you to sit and enjoy your flowers.
Woodland flowers, such as violets (Viola spp.) are glorious in the spring, but quickly sizzle in summer if they are not planted in shade. Depending on the species, violets are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, but perform better at the warmer end of their range with a shade structure. In nature, violets and other flowering forest species complete most of their life cycle in early spring before the trees leaf out and block their sun. Replicating this pattern artificially with a shade structure is one way to get the most from sun-sensitive species.
Though it's not particularly attractive on its own, shade cloth is depended upon by nurseries. Some home gardeners use it also, and so can you. Using poles or nearby tree branches hang it above or at a slant so that it provides shade to the vulnerable plants. Hung over a deck or patio, shade cloth does double-duty making the outdoor living space more inviting in summer, while protecting flowers growing in pots or adjacent beds from the extra heat and light reflected by the hard surfaces of the deck or patio. For a more attractive appearance, check garden centers for retractable awnings that utilize shade cloth and have clean lines and finished edges.
Like shade cloth, lattice lets a portion of the sun's rays through, approximating the filtered sunlight of tall trees. This environment is ideal for growing flowers that prefer part sun, as many tropical rain forest plants do, including anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum), hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, if protected from frost. Lattice is easily incorporated into existing deck structures as an over head shade or a vertical screen to block the hot afternoon sun from the west. It doubles as a trellis for vines, which increases the shade factor in summer, but lets more light through in winter as long as deciduous species are used.
Pergolas are post and beam structures that add architectural flair to the garden. Construct them as shade structures over decks and patios, as a stand alone destination in the backyard or as a linear structure over a wide, straight pathway. The 2-by-6 beams mounted on top of most pergolas create partial sun conditions below, but are easily accessorized with shade cloth, lattice or vines to form a shady retreat for both flowers and people. Underneath, a lush carpet of tender flowering plants survives the summer, just as if they were growing wild in a forest glade.
Brian Barth works in the fields of landscape architecture and urban planning and is co-founder of Urban Agriculture, Inc., an Atlanta-based design firm where he is head environmental consultant. He holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Planning and Design from the University of Georgia. His blog, Food for Thought, explores the themes of land use, urban agriculture, and environmental literacy.