Welcome to Hilltop Garden Centre, your trusted family-run garden centre in Clacton, serving the community with quality plants and friendly customer service for over 75 years. As part of the community, we understand the importance of creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor space, especially during the warm summer months. In this post, we’ll share some friendly advice on how to create shade in your garden and on your patio or decking, ensuring you can enjoy your outdoor area even on the hottest days. Let's dive into some fantastic garden shade ideas!
Instant Garden Shade Ideas
For anyone with a patio or decking area, creating shade is crucial for enjoying your outdoor space comfortably. While creating shade using plants and trees is a fantastic option, it can take many years for these plants to grow, whereas parasols offer instant shade for any garden. Large parasols with tilt functions and 360-degree rotation are ideal as they provide flexible shade options and can be easily adjusted depending on the sun's position. What's more, they are usually UPF50+ certified to give you high protection from the sun. Here are some garden parasol sun shade ideas that are all available in stock at our Essex garden centre.
Mediterranean Cantilever Parasol
For families with young children or those who enjoy a peaceful moment on the sun lounger, our Mediterranean Round Cantilever Parasol is a versatile and affordable option. Priced at just £120 (with its water-filled base sold separately for £80), this parasol provides excellent shade with its 3m round canopy that is UPF50+ certified. The handy tilt function allows for easy adjustment, ensuring you can find the perfect angle to stay cool and protected. Whether it's for shading a sandpit or a sun lounger, this parasol is a practical addition to any garden.
Pacific Cantilever Parasol
If you're looking to add a stylish feel to your patio, our Pacific Cantilever Parasol is an excellent choice. Priced at £250 (with its water-filled base sold separately for £80), this parasol is perfect for shading your corner lounge set or garden table and chairs, allowing you to enjoy al fresco meals without the strong summer sun. The Pacific Cantilever features a heavy-duty, shower-proof 3m round canopy, 360-degree rotation for continuous shade, and a tilt feature for optimal sun protection. With UPF50+ certification, you can relax knowing you have the utmost protection from harmful UV rays.
Seychelles 3.5m Round Cantilever with Bluetooth Speaker
For those who want to go all out with the ultimate garden accessory, look no further than our Seychelles 3.5m Round Cantilever Parasol with Bluetooth Speaker. At £825, complete with a purpose-made base, this parasol offers luxury and functionality in one. The solar-powered LED lights add a touch of instant glamour to evening gatherings, while the Bluetooth speaker allows you to play your favourite music. The Seychelles Cantilever features a shower-resistant, hard-wearing canopy that is UPF50+ certified, providing top-notch sun protection. With 360-degree rotation and a stunning Folie pole that mimics the look of wood without the maintenance, this parasol is the epitome of luxury garden shade ideas.
Create Natural Shade with Plants and Trees
Creating natural shade in your garden is a great way to stay cool while adding beauty and structure to your space, although bear in mind it could take many years to create enough shade to protect you from the sun. Planting trees like Japanese Maple, Magnolia, or Silver Birch can provide dappled shade and visual interest. These trees not only offer protection from the sun but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden with their unique foliage and growth patterns.
In addition to trees, climbing plants such as Wisteria, Clematis, and Honeysuckle can be trained over pergolas or garden structures to create shaded areas. These plants add a lush, green canopy that offers both beauty and functionality. Pergolas and gazebos, when adorned with these climbing plants, create inviting spaces perfect for relaxation or entertaining the family.
Garden Shade Ideas: Garden Structures
Garden structures such as pergolas, gazebos, and arbours are fantastic for creating shaded areas in your garden. These structures can be used as focal points and offer a dedicated space for relaxing or dining. Pergolas, with their open frameworks, are perfect for supporting climbing plants, creating a natural canopy of shade. Gazebos, with their enclosed design, provide a more sheltered space that can be used year-round. Consider adding outdoor curtains to your patio or pergola. These can be drawn to block out the sun or left open to enjoy a light breeze. Curtains not only provide shade but also add a touch of privacy to your outdoor living space.
Arbours are another charming addition, often featuring benches that offer a shaded spot to sit and enjoy your garden. These structures not only provide shade but also add architectural interest and can be used to frame views or create garden rooms.
Hilltop's Top Garden Shade Ideas
When planning your garden shade, consider the following tips:
- Placement: Position shade structures or parasols where you spend the most time, such as dining areas, play areas, or reading nooks.
- Flexibility: Opt for solutions that offer flexibility, like cantilever parasols with adjustable canopies or retractable awnings, to adapt to the sun's movement throughout the day.
- Layering: Combine different types of shade, such as natural shade from trees and portable parasols, to create a cooler and more comfortable environment.
- Maintenance: Choose low-maintenance options where possible, such as synthetic materials for garden structures or parasols with easy-to-clean canopies.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Ensure your shade solutions complement the overall design of your garden, adding to its beauty rather than detracting from it.
Visit Hilltop Garden Centre
At Hilltop Garden Centre, we’re more than just a garden centre – we’re a part of the community. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to making your garden, home, and life bloom brighter with our gardening advice and ideas. Whether you’re looking for the perfect parasol, garden structure, or plants to create shade, we’ve got you covered.
Visit us at our garden centre just outside Clacton-on-Sea in Essex to explore our range of outdoor cantilever parasols, including the Mediterranean, Pacific, and Seychelles models. Don’t forget to check out our selection of trees, climbing plants, and garden structures to help you create the perfect shaded retreat.
With over 75 years of experience, Hilltop Garden Centre is your go-to destination for all your gardening needs. We’re here to help you enjoy your garden to the fullest, offering quality products, expert advice, and friendly service. See you soon at Hilltop Garden Centre, your trusted Essex garden centre!
