It is hard to imagine a summer without sun protection. In the Netherlands, there are even free sunscreen dispensers for beachgoers to protect against skin cancer. Even in the garden, where plants already naturally provide a more pleasant climate, good sun protection is valuable - preferably in a natural way.
The options are many - from the classic parasol to the practical awning to the airy sun sail. Living greenery can also be used to create shady places where it is easy to stay even in the height of summer. The most popular natural shade providers are clearly trees, because temperatures are particularly pleasant in their immediate surroundings. This is not only due to the shade they cast, but also to the ability of trees to evaporate moisture through their leaves. In doing so, they extract heat from the surrounding air, which leads to a cooler microclimate. This benefits not only the gardener himself, but also the climate as a whole.
Another advantage of woody plants is the special atmosphere under their canopy. Not every private property offers enough space for large trees with expansive shade. But this does not have to be the case. Even a cleverly placed copse near a seating area cools the seating area, especially during the hot midday hours. Roof plane trees or winter lime trees also save space and have a great effect. Their crowns develop in width and shade a comparatively large area. Planted in groups, they are well suited for larger seating areas, for example.
Climbing plants are just as effective as they are decorative. Over time, they form a dense, green canopy. The list of suitable plants is long and offers a wide range of species and varieties for every location and garden situation.
Plants for sun protection must tolerate direct sunlight well. Only then will they provide long-lasting pleasure and refreshing shade. It is also important whether the plant is a self-climber or a scaffold climber. The latter, as the name suggests, definitely need a climbing aid to which they can climb up and to which they can be tied if necessary. An arbour, a romantic archway or a pergola are nice variants for creating an area in the summer garden with a high quality of stay.
(Photo: © Green Press Portal, BGL)
