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backyard Shades of summer MATT LEACY HAS SOME ADVICE ON THE PERFECT WAY TO CREATE A COOL HAVEN IN YOUR GARDEN, BUT YOU'LL HAVE TO BE PATIENT. Regardless of where you live in Australia, December is hot. It's the time of the year when you wish you had a cool and tranquil area in your garden – an escape from the heat. It's no wonder, considering the Australian summer is one of the harshest in the world. There are many forms of shade to choose from. You could go for a simple market umbrella; a pergola with hardwood slats, an enclosed roof or a louvre system (manual or motorised); or a fully enclosed cabana. All of these provide a range of benefits but will depend on your taste, how you want the space to feel, how effectively they cool the area and, of course, the overall cost. Shade is like colour – everyone feels and sees it differently. Different materials will give different types of shade, depending on the way they are applied. Keep in mind, though, just because a material or structure provides complete shade does not necessarily mean it will cool the area. Good airflow is crucial for cooling, helping the air to circulate and travel through the area so it doesn't become stagnant and hot. For me, there is no cooler, more tranquil feeling than lying under the natural shade of a beautiful tree to escape the summer sun. A shade tree can provide amazing airflow and dappled light. It may be one of the slower forms of shade provision in terms of the rate at which the tree grows, but it's worth the wait. Choosing the right shade tree can be tricky, so I've included my selection of the top 10 trees that are suitable for the average back garden. Keep in mind that every space is different and it's worth speaking to a landscape designer, horticulturist or your local nursery before planting any trees. Different trees require different levels of sun or shade, climatic conditions, soil types and water availability. If you love nothing more than lying under a tree to avoid the summer heat, it's worth considering planting a shade tree. If you have time on your side, it can be a very cost-effective way to achieve the coolest type of shade. TOP 10 SHADE TREES 1. Chinese elm (Ulmus parvi folia) 2. Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) 3. Avocado (Persea americana 'Pinkerton') 4. Tulipwood (Harpullia pendula) 5. Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 6. Maple (Acer rubrum) 7. Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifol 8. Tropical birch (Betula nigra) 9. Michelia (Michelia champaca) 10. Peppercorn tree (Schinus areira) ia) Bonus tree (for tropical climates): Poinciana (Delonix regia) Garden guru Matt Leacy loves all things outdoors and is passionate about inspiring others to create and enjoy beautiful and functional spaces outside. Visit: www.landart.com.au 37