{"id":3141,"date":"2022-06-01T09:00:58","date_gmt":"2022-06-01T08:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardenbenches.com\/blog\/?p=3141"},"modified":"2025-07-29T10:11:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T09:11:41","slug":"garden-shade-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gardenbenches.com\/blog\/garden-shade-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Garden Shade Ideas To Keep Cool This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer is a wonderful time of the year, and the shining sun makes everything feel much better. However, it\u2019s important to take a break from direct sun rays, and if you don\u2019t want to retreat indoors, quality garden shade ideas will be your saving grace this summer. Shade is essential in every garden for many reasons, so here are our favourite garden shade ideas to keep you safe and happy this summer and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Is Shade Important In The Garden?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although there are plenty of\u00a0<\/span>ways to enjoy the sun responsibly<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s easy to forget these when the sun\u2019s shining bright. Yet, shade is vital throughout the day no matter where you are, but garden shading is vital for summer. Here are the main reasons why shade is so important in your garden:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. UV Protection\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\u2013 Protection from the sun is one of the biggest reasons shade is essential in the garden. Quality shade can reduce UV exposure by up to 75%<\/span>[i]<\/span><\/a>, helping protect you and your family from the sun\u2019s harmful UV rays without missing out on the lovely weather.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. All Year Round Shelter\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\u2013 As well as the sun, quality shade can protect you and your garden visitors from all weathers. Whether it\u2019s raining or snowing, cloudy or stormy, whenever you need your garden, excellent shade guarantees that you will be able to use it.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Keeps You Cool\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\u2013 Of course, shade can\u2019t change the outdoor temperature, but staying beneath shade can prevent the body from overheating. Plus, direct sunlight makes it feel even hotter and having a shady spot will allow you to shield yourself from the climbing temperatures.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Protects Eyesight\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\u2013 Parts of the human eye can filter UV light, but overdoing this can reduce the power of your eyesight and lead to severe damage, such as cataracts and eye cancer. Adequate garden shade will relieve you and your guests from the bright sunlight and reduce the chances of eyestrain and more permanent damage.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Allows Safe Socialising\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\u2013 Whether you\u2019re having friends and family for a dinner al fresco or want to move your home office outside to enjoy the beautiful summer days, shade will protect you from the effects of the sun so you can enjoy your time outdoors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Our Top 10 Garden Shade Ideas<\/span><\/h2>\n

    So, as you can see, shade should be a priority in your outdoor space. It will protect you and your family and friends from all weathers and some serious long term harm. Fortunately, there are plenty of garden shade ideas that will suit any garden style. Here are our top 10 garden shade ideas to try out this summer.<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Grow Trees For Natural Shelter<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Natural shelter that blends in is excellent for a garden because it makes you feel closer to nature without having to experience the harsher parts of it. Planting bushy, fast-growing trees in a mindful garden design ensures that you will always have some form of shade to retreat into when the temperatures start to soar. With the addition of a fitted\u00a0<\/span>tree bench<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and some comfy\u00a0<\/span>bench cushions<\/span><\/a>, you can have an overhanging haven of shade no matter what time of year you use your garden.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some great trees for shade include:<\/span><\/p>\n