When you are creating your garden there are many different elements you may incorporate besides flowers and vegetables. Some other considerations may be to add some shaded spots to sit in your garden.

When planning to incorporate umbrellas or overhangs remember not to place these objects over the plants and flowers that require direct sunlight. Doing so can cause the plants and flowers to not flourish as they require direct sunlight.

Materials...
When choosing to add some shaded areas to the areas around your garden, you will first want to decide what material you wish to have your shaded element made out of.

There are many options to choose from. You may want to go with either a standing umbrella or retractable awning that may be attached to the side of your home or garage.

• Umbrellas - The base of your chosen umbrella can be made out of anything from wood to aluminum. As long as you choose to go with a durable outdoor material that will be sturdy enough to withstand Mother Nature it will work. When it comes to choosing the material for the actual umbrella you will want to go with a fabric that is made of tough acrylic fibers such as acrylic to resist stains and mildew while maintaining whichever beautiful color you choose.
• Awnings - Awnings can provide shaded areas off of a house of a garage. If you choose to go with an awning or retractable awning you must attach to your house of garage because a fence will not be strong enough to support the structure. Awnings will be made out of aluminum or canvas. You may also choose to go with a retractable awning so that you always have the option for shade or sun.

Sitting area...
Now that you have created a shaded area in your garden or on your patio you will want to install it in an area where you can sit and relax. The best base for small sitting areas within a garden are made of large pavers stone, which are large flat stones which can be placed together to form a flat surface. You should install the stones under or close to the shaded area you installed.

Furniture...
Depending on how large of a space you have created with your stones, pick out some comfortable pieces of furniture to sit and relax. If you're shaded spot is a smaller space with a base umbrella, choose a smaller piece of furniture such as a bench or a chase. The style of the furniture is completely up to you, some of the more popular choices are wooden or wrought iron with padding.

Creating a shaded area in your garden is a special place to relax and escape from daily stresses. A place you may enjoy your morning coffee or sit with a good book. Whichever your intentions are, if you keep these simple suggestions in mind you are sure to start off on the right foot.