One of the main features of a garden or terrace is shade. We all love being outdoors, but this experience may become quite unpleasant if we are constantly under sunlight, especially in a country with as much daylight as Portugal.
Shade may be comforting, brings us coolness, and is essential to extend our time spent outdoors. It is also extremely important for some plants.

There are several levels of shade, and for a meal outdoors or for reading a book, a sparse shade may just be enough.
For whomever has the space, the ideal situation would be planting a big tree, as it brings several other environmental and aesthetic advantages, like for instance, the simple fact of allowing us to witness the changing of seasons, something which is becoming gradually unnoticeable in cities.
Depending on the species, you may even get several levels of shade, which varies depending on the density and shape of the foliage and also its tree top. Opting for a tree with deciduous foliage will ensure sunlight during the Winter, and the desired shade in the Summer.
But remember, a tree is a living being, and it takes its time to grow and to become a real leisure spot with shade for the whole family. Its growth rate will depend on the species chosen.

For those who have fewer space, some canes with a smaller spacing might be ideal, as they allow for some sunlight to go through and yet create enough shade for relaxation in a cooler environment. This is a solution that will remind us of a beach vacation, which are always a good memory.

Sunshades or awnings are also an option, they are ideal for a moveable shade which you intend to move around gradually – since there are more modern options which allow for easy moving or regulating.

What to do with your garden’s shade?

If you already have shade created by a building, it is normal that sometimes you may prefer sun lit areas to hang out in, however, the ideal situation would be achieving balance. But know that you may create beautiful plant massifs that like the shade. They can be a real play on colours and textures that will make your garden even more special.

Hostas –

there is a great variety in terms of hostas, whose beauty stands out due to their wide and frequently dark foliage, which create textures that do not go by unnoticed. Their blossoming is plain an elegant.

Ferns –

they are one of the main plants when it comes to darker spaces, their exotic textures and large foliage will make about anyone’s delight.

Hydrangea quercifolia –

supporting beautiful white flowers, and slightly different from the hydrangeas we are used to seeing in gardens, this shrub is very tolerant to shade.

Another well known plant that is good living in the shade is ivy, Hedera sp.. But there are other plants with exuberant flowers, such as Astilbes, which are very tolerant to shade.

As you can see, it is possible to have a beautiful garden even if your space has some shade, there are numerous options, experiment with different colours, textures and scents, you will not regret it!

Amália Souto Miranda
Landscape Architect