Create Shade Using a Beach Umbrella and a planter

No Shade in the backyard can be difficult with small children. Sunburns, sun in the eyes and heat can make playtime outside dangerous to children. Options are limited, especially when you are limited on space and time in terms of growing a shade tree. This would also work for shading plants such as lettuce or peas when no shade is available in your garden area.

1. 1
   1 Beach Umbrella

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2. 2
   1 planter medium to large

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3. 3
   hammer and board

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4. 4
   fill and potting soil

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• Place your planter in a location that you require shade.
• Choose a planter with a hole at the base directly in the center that snugly fits your umbrella base or create a hole using a drill and masonry hole saw.
• Insert the pointed end of the umbrella pole through the hole of your planter. Place a piece of board over the top of the section and using a hammer tamp it into the ground until you feel it secure enough.
• Place fill with rocks, brick or broken concrete into the base of the planter. Top the last few inches with topsoil. You can plant inside of the planter but choose light sun or shade type of plants. Around children I recommend planting herbs such as basil for two reasons. It does not draw bees and is edible which is important close to where children play. Lettuce, Mint or Lemon Thyme (as natural Mosquito repellent) work well.

• Do choose an umbrella that can be angled for sun movement throughout the day
• Don't leave the top section out in the elements all summer long. Simply detach the top section and store indoors.
• Do at least close the umbrella if going out for a period of time or in heavy wind for safety.
• Do choose a larger umbrella

1. 1
   Open porch

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   If you are an uncovered front porch, a huge planter with a conservative looking beach umbrella can make a good accent to your home. It will look sophisticated enough and will make your house appear welcoming enough for guests.

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2. 2
   Pool side

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   This is usually one of the most exposed areas of the house. Therefore, spreading around a few beach umbrellas and a planter not only will make this area very appealing, it will also make lounging around in this area more comfortable

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3. 3
   Garden

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   If you completed some of the trees in your garden by putting beach umbrellas in between them, that will make your garden look very homey and appealing to visitors.

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If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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