Avatar for Frillylily
Jun 10, 2015 11:30 AM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
I have this area on the east side of my house that I planted hostas. I mistakenly thought that it would get more shade than it does. It is 12:30 now and it is still full sun and looks like it will be for another couple hours. Different times of the year of course the sun moves and it doesn't always get this much, just unfortunatley durring the hottest part of the year Grumbling

I have 2 crabapples planted close enough to this that they will shade the area hopefully within 4 or 5 years. I just planted them last year but already have noticed growth. I think they are pretty vigroous growers. So in the mean time I am trying to think of something I can do to shade the plants. Nothing too complicated or pricey, and soemthing I can take down after a couple of months. Any ideas? I was thinking of some kind of tarp? or heavy cardboard or such. I don't really care what it looks like for now, I just want to protect the plants.

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Jun 10, 2015 12:18 PM CST
Name: Larry
Enterprise, Al. 36330 (Zone 8b)
Composter Daylilies Garden Photography Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Garden Ideas: Master Level Plant Identifier
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Region: Alabama
How about planting something like elephant ears to provide shade till the trees get larger.
Avatar for Frillylily
Jun 10, 2015 1:08 PM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
I think they would take too long to grow, especially for this year. Plus they get really tall and would not put the shade where I need it unless I planted them farther out from the bed and my dh would not be happy with that, because of mowing.
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Jun 10, 2015 1:27 PM CST
Name: Rose
Oquawka, IL (Zone 5a)
Echinacea Hibiscus Dahlias Clematis Charter ATP Member Region: Illinois
Garden Photography Heucheras Hummingbirder Hostas Garden Art Birds
That looks look like it's a pretty long bed so anything you try might be kinda cashy. Can you set up some sort of irrigation to make sure they get plenty of water and just hope for the best? They may look a little crisp in July and August heat, but with plenty of water they should still be okay the following spring, I would think. I lost a pine tree last fall and now it looks like the one next to it is dying, so I'm in the same boat. Mine will get sun until about 1:30, so I'm hoping I can keep them watered enough during the really hot months to keep them going. I always tell people if they want to see my hosta beds then make sure you see them before the end of June! That's when they look their best here. Once the heat and humidity set in its just watering and weeding, but they still start to look tired.
When all is said and done, there’s more said than done.
Avatar for Frillylily
Jun 10, 2015 2:12 PM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
I am wondering now about using 2x4s and propping them at an angle from the house to the rock. Then covering it with that mesh fabric used for weed barrier? I could use a staple gun? Then at the end of the season, just roll them up and store for next year.

will that work? speak up if you think that is a stupid idea I'm all ears!
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Jun 10, 2015 2:20 PM CST
Name: Larry
Enterprise, Al. 36330 (Zone 8b)
Composter Daylilies Garden Photography Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Garden Ideas: Master Level Plant Identifier
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Region: Alabama
How about using shade cloth?
Avatar for Frillylily
Jun 10, 2015 2:38 PM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
I don't know, where can I get it? I only need about 6 ft wide and 35 ft long
Avatar for Frillylily
Jun 10, 2015 2:40 PM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
well obviously I can order it online. I just meant is there any particular place to get it? I don't know if lowes or hd carries that. How is it different than the weed barrier material? Is it heavier?
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Jun 10, 2015 3:00 PM CST
Name: Larry
Enterprise, Al. 36330 (Zone 8b)
Composter Daylilies Garden Photography Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Garden Ideas: Master Level Plant Identifier
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Region: Alabama
I have never bought any, I used some old party tent netting I had. It worked very well, and was free!
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Jun 10, 2015 4:03 PM CST
OH (Zone 5a)
Hostas
How about going to Lowe's and buy screening like used for screened in porch. ///Ouch just priced & screen is probably out of the question.
OR ---- Go to JoAnn fabrics and buy nylon net. If you could find black or near color of house you'd never see it! I believe it comes 6' wide and you'd need 12 yards and sometimes sale 99¢ a yard. If store does not have enough they can order or you can order online.

Hmmm or maybe cheesecloth? Got any old sheers or thin curtains you don't use?

Better yet, Gardener's supply has 50' row cover $20. I love that company!
www.gardeners.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gardeners-Site/default/mProduct-Show?pid=11748&start=1&q=row cover

Create a canopy if you want to see thr plants, held up with the 4' green garden stakes every 6-8' . One row of stakes against the house and one row at the outer edge of the Hostas. You could tie screen to stakes with string or wire or twisties. You can get the garden stakes at Lowe's too.

I love Hostas. Looks gorgeous. And we must protect those babies. Lovey dubby
Last edited by Pandora Jun 10, 2015 4:55 PM Icon for preview
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Jun 10, 2015 4:11 PM CST
OH (Zone 5a)
Hostas
I sorta envision it something like this. Without the cross pieces on top. No need to be really tall.
Maybe have sepate pieces on each side of AC. Come to think of it you might save a little money shading theAC.

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Avatar for Frillylily
Jun 10, 2015 7:44 PM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
I am going to Lowes tomorrow and will let you all know what I come up with.
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Jun 11, 2015 4:23 PM CST
Name: Rose
Oquawka, IL (Zone 5a)
Echinacea Hibiscus Dahlias Clematis Charter ATP Member Region: Illinois
Garden Photography Heucheras Hummingbirder Hostas Garden Art Birds
I was walking through a local farm supply store today and thought of you. Have you seen those rolls of plastic snow fencing? These were bright orange, so they would be very noticeable, but has holes in it so the rain will get through to water your hostas.
When all is said and done, there’s more said than done.
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Jun 13, 2015 11:36 AM CST
OH (Zone 5a)
Hostas
Rose, it's funny how often one thinks of other gardeners while walking through various stores. I hope Frilly finds a reasonable solution. I did a search later and Lowe's does even carry shade cloth, but it would be over $80 for that length.
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