Creating Shady Spots

Summer is finally here, and everyone's already groaning about the heat. But seriously, the long-awaited summer sun is only well-tolerated in doses for most people. That's why it's a good idea to create relaxing and appealing shady spots for yourself and your family. These will turn your garden into your second living room during the summer. Whether you're drinking coffee, chatting comfortably with friends, pursuing hobbies, or working, life is truly good in the middle of your green oasis.

A chestnut tree once stood in the courtyard of every country estate. This was not only where women gathered for kitchen work, but also where family, friends, and neighbors came together during the warm season to live, eat, and celebrate. Hardly any shady spot feels as good as the shade under an old tree.

However, those who are just taking over a garden often can't boast a century-old beech, cherry, plane, horse chestnut, or linden tree. In such cases, gardeners must use other aids until their trees reach the right size.

In the Mediterranean, fast-growing mulberry trees are often planted, their branches trained to grow like a parasol. And several trees are allowed to intergrow their flattened crowns.

Pavilions and pergolas can also provide pleasant shade, whether they have a solid roof, are covered with canvas, or adorned with beautiful climbing plants like golden chain, clematis, passion flower, climbing roses, Virginia creeper, and ivy. Additionally, espalier fruit such as apricots, mirabelle plums, plums, apples, and pears can beautify your seating area, while grapes and kiwis delight with their delicious fruit.

And the lovely blossoms of hops will spread their calming scent to your garden visitors throughout the summer.

Hedges and shrubs also contribute to shading your garden, offering protection not just from the sun but also from the wind. This significantly improves the climate within your garden in multiple ways. The thickness and height of these shrubs and hedges can vary greatly depending on the size of your garden. For instance, your Thuja hedge could even serve as a wall for a pavilion.