Cool Shade

As the weather cools down, many of us start to contemplate about just what to do with the garden. I would suspect that even the most ardent of sun worshipers would appreciate a little shade in the garden after such a hot summer (if only to help keep the drinks cool).

A shady patch makes the garden more user-friendly for the whole day and, unlike a built up structure, needn’t offer year round permanent shade. Neither is it likely to blow away like a parasol.

There are two basic types of plants to choose from to provide shade; trees and climbers. What you choose comes down to personal choice, the garden site itself and the availability of plants. We will look at different plants in closer detail in the coming months but here I would like to make a few suggestions.

Climbers, by definition, need something to climb up or scramble over. This could be either a simple timber and mesh structure (to be hidden by the plants) or an ornamental pergola or arbour. Climbers provide shade fairly quickly because we are providing them with their support structure and do not have to grow thick, strong trunks.

Many climbers grow naturally under trees or in hedgerows, which provide them with a climbing frame. It also means that the roots of many climbers are growing in shade, and appreciate a little protection from too much direct sunlight, especially during establishment.

The two most commonly used climbers are the grape vine and the bougainvillea. Both are favourites of mine. Grape vines give fantastic shade for the south side of a house.

Being deciduous, they provide shade from the summer sun but the leafless stems allow us to make the most of the winter sun. Aesthetic, practical and tasty; what more could you want?

 Bougainvillea also is a fantastic choice. It is available in a wide range of flower colours, has a long season, is quick growing and is drought resistant. Beware, however, of the vicious spines and, if planted too near a pool, you will be forever scooping out the dead flowers and cleaning the filter.

Trees, on the other hand, grow more slowly and you will have to wait much longer before you enjoy their shade. If you want to relax under the shade of a large plane tree then either buy a house with one already there or go to a village square. In most cases, we are planting large trees for the enjoyment of future generations.

Still some trees are relatively quick growing enough to provide some shade at least during part of the day. Many will also stay small enough to provide a framework for a small courtyard garden.

As with climbers, the wide choice of available trees allows us to make a choice to suit our needs.

I particularly like the light, feathery foliage of such trees as the silk tree (Albizia), light shade, deciduous and beautiful flowers.

Apology: Last month I promised more on the spread of the red palm weevil. Unfortunately the task of tracking an official has proven to be beyond a mere gardener. We have not given up hope, though, and one of our news hounds is now also on the case – we expect (fingers crossed) to be able to give you an update next month.