Ideas for a Backyard Shady Spot

 

  

 

It gets really hot here in Florida; not like regular summer up north. Summer here is a hot, steam tent. When I lived in my house, I enjoyed listening to my neighbor’s children at play in the backyard. I like the sound. Then I started thinking, are they wearing sunscreen? Are they going to burn? As a fair-skinned child, I sunburned easily and had freckles on my face.

Do you make shade for your children’s play – a little place for them to read and get away? I’m a natural-born collector, here are a few ideas I’ve found to help make a shady spot.

 

A. Put A Sheet On A Clothesline

I remember when I was a little girl in Tennessee, we had a clothesline for drying clothes. I used to help hang them up and bring them in.  An old sheet and a few rocks made a tent over the clothesline. 

 

 

  Photo via Crooked Brain

 

 

B.   If You Don’t Have a Clothesline

  

If you don’t have a clothesline, hang up a cord, rope, or long string for an easy teepee.

 

 

 Photo via Mommyish

 

 

C. Have Hula Hoops?

Turn the top seam of a sheet over the hula hoop and tie or tack it down. Check dollar stores for hula hoops. If you can’t find them, use pool noodles made into a circle from the dollar store. 

 

 Photo Alanna George

 

 

Now, more ideas for fabric tents and sun shades for children to play under and a place for pets to get some shade.

D. Use Big Trees

 

On Facebook, I found a lovely idea for yards with big trees. Again, original source is gone.  Grab some rocks and make a special place.

 

 

 Photo via Facebook

 

 

E. Use an Umbrella

 

Insert an umbrella into a large cable reel for a shady spot.

 

 

 Photo via Habanabel

 

 

F. Make A Little Shaded Beach 

 

 I love this idea for little ones. Make a little shaded beach with a tarp & sandbox. Use 4 poles with the tarp. This beach scene comes complete with chair and little pool.  

  

 

Photo via Better Together 

 Photo via Better Together

G. Use a Swing Set or Frame

 Use a swing set or swing frame and a tarp or sheet to make a kid friendly shady spot.

  

 

 

 Photia Terry’s Fabrics 

Photo via Terry’s Fabrics

  

I. Use Plastic Plumbing Pipes With Fabric

 

This idea could be used to make a large temporary structure for family dining or play. Use plastic pluming pipes to make a house shape and drape with fabric. The size totally depends on the size of the plastic structure. It could be used for glamping.

 

 

 

Photo via Sew 4 Home

 

Let’s think of a beautiful place for parents and the whole family. If you have a tent or yurt, just set it up. Otherwise…..

 

 

J. Make an adult special spot complete with recliners

 

  

Photo via Les P’tit Mos Dits

 

K. Hang Saris From A Tree For A Beautiful Tent or Yurt 

 

 

Photo via Pinterest

 

L. Buy a Tent on Etsy

 

 

Etsy 

 

 

Tent For Glamping on Etsy

 

 

Vintage Cotton Patchwork Canopy on Etsy

M. Create a Family Social & Dining Area

 

Put up a tent with lights, pillows for a family social & dining area – think Glamping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Photo Instagram

 

N.  Build A Wooden Frame & Add Sailcloth For Backyard Glamping

 

This is a perfect Staycation in the backyard

   

 

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 Photo via Traveling Inspiration

 I loved sharing these beautiful ideas. Happy Almost Summer!

 

 

 

 

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First Week in May

 

 

 As I reported last week, the weatherman's predictions for rain were true. Rain came Saturday and was sporadic until Sunday afternoon.  The amount of rain didn't affect the drought conditions much. Not enough rain to make up the inches we have not received in the last 6 months.

 

My red amaryllis has put on a great show in the last week. As the number of flowers increased, I just smiled more.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I hope you're enjoying May wherever you are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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End of April at the Condo

  

 

The weather here in central Florida has been hot and dry. We've had little rain for months. Over half of Florida is experiencing "extreme drought". Like Georgia, Florida is dealing with widespread wildfires around the state. Scientists warn the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season could be the most dangerous in history.

 

 

 

 There is a prediction of rain this weekend on today's weather report. I say "from your mouth to God's ear, please".  That's enough bad news. You know I'm an optimist, so let's look at my blue views and my potted red/white amaryllis blooms here at the condo. 

 

 Note:  Amaryllis thrive in Florida, blooming in spring (typically April) with minimal care. Plant bulbs in well-drained soil with the top third above ground in partial to full sun. They are, for the most part, easy to care for, notes South Florida Plant Guide. Protect them from frost, water sparingly to avoid rot, and fertilize in summer to ensure reblooming

 

 

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April Gardenias in Lakeland, Florida

 

Gardenia bushes typically thrive in USDA Growing Zones 8–11, requiring warm, humid climates, though some cold-hardy varieties like 'Frostproof' and 'Kleim's Hardy' can withstand Zone 7 winters. They prefer full sun to partial shade, acidic soil, and consistent moisture. In zones 6 or lower, they must be grown in containers and brought indoors. 

 

The gardenia bush in the garden in the center of my condo building has been blooming for the last five days.  It is so wonderful to open my front door and step out on the 2nd floor walkway with a view of flowers. It really makes your day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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End of the Camellias Season

 

 

Camellias are popular, long-lived, evergreen shrubs (or small trees) renowned for their glossy foliage and stunning, rose-like blooms that appear from fall to spring. As staples of Southern gardens, they bloom in white, pink, and red, thriving in acidic, well-draining soil and partial shade in zones 6-10. Here at the condo, the bush in the center garden finished blooming last week. The bush by the walkway from parking to the condo building has been blooming steadily. It is slowing down, and I believe the end of the camellia season is almost here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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