Shady gardens: choosing your parasol

Unless you've planted rows of mature trees in your garden, trees that have grown for decades to provide shade for walkers and picnickers, you need to consider the areas that will require a parasol. The choice of parasol itself shouldn't be taken lightly: the best models vary depending on the area needing sun protection and how often you plan to use it.

This guide will help you navigate the Belveo aisles to choose the perfect parasol for your outdoor space . You'll need to consider not only the type and size of the parasol, but also its color, materials , and even the fabric weight .

Criteria for choosing a parasol to enjoy a perfectly shaded garden

Your patio may already have a pergola . However, it probably doesn't cover a significant portion of your garden. Depending on the layout of the different areas, it might be useful to purchase one or more parasols . If the area includes a bench, for example, those sitting on it will have their share of shade when the sun is strong. On the other hand, if a rectangular area is primarily used for playing football, with all the associated equipment (ground markings, goalposts), it's best to avoid installing a parasol there. It could obstruct the players' view.

Does a musician practice scales in a favorite corner of the garden? Does an accountant have his routines at his preferred table? Do two avid gamblers habitually checkmate each other near the vegetable patch? Identifying the areas that need shade is essential for the garden to become a place of comfort and enjoyment. It then becomes possible to precisely calculate the necessary shaded area.

Once you've estimated the shaded area, it's time to choose the number of parasols, as well as their shape and size. Do you need small, round parasols with a diameter of less than three meters? Or a large, rectangular, cantilevered parasol with a width of more than five meters? The selection offered on the Belveo website makes it easy to find the perfect parasol for a pleasantly shaded garden .

A straight parasol provides shade in a localized area roughly where its pole is located . It can be either a straight or cantilever parasol. If, on the other hand, you want to protect a large area without the pole or base obstructing it, you should choose a cantilever parasol. A garden lounge or dining table is perfectly suited to a cantilever parasol, as it avoids placing the pole in the center of the seating area.

The material used for the base and mast, as well as the fabric from which the parasol canopy is made , are aspects to consider when choosing the model to adopt.

An aluminum pole is the standard choice for most small, straight or tilting parasols designed to cover a reasonable area . The base and pole must then be heavy enough to compensate for the lightness of the material. If you opt for a cantilever parasol, the preferred material for the pole and base will be wood, or even steel, to ensure the parasol's sturdiness and stability.

When choosing a parasol canopy, you need to think in terms of protection against the sun's rays. The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating determines how well the canopy protects the user from the sun . Below a rating of 30, the UPF is considered quite limited. From 50 upwards, the UPF guarantees at least 90% protection against solar radiation , which is sufficient for most people.

A polyester fabric is recommended in most cases for assembling an effective and sturdy parasol. The fabric weight is also important: it can range from approximately 140 g/m² to 400 g/m². The higher the weight, the thicker the fabric and therefore the greater its resistance.

The quality of a parasol also depends on its ease of use: opening should be smooth and quick, maintenance should be easy and require minimal equipment. The parasol's resistance to wind and weather must be guaranteed.

A balcony parasol , with its very particular fixing system, is suitable for small and medium-sized areas, but will rarely be suitable for use in a garden, unless a particular space lends itself to it.

The design and color of the parasol: elements that matter

Equipping a garden also means decorating it . Adding parasols to improve shade shouldn't compromise aesthetics . Therefore, special attention should be paid to the parasol's color and design. It should blend in with other accessories such as a fountain, ornaments, and equipment for sports activities.

Belveo parasol designs range from the most traditional to the most innovative : the important thing is that it matches the garden and the house, or even the terrace if it is close to it.

Practical tips for installing a parasol in the garden

For outdoor use in a garden, a parasol should be anchored to the ground to ensure optimal stability . Garden soil is generally earth, therefore looser and less level than that of a patio. If a parasol base doesn't seem to provide the necessary stability, a lawn spike may be a good option . This is a fastening system based on a worm screw, designed specifically for garden accessories .

Remember that the canopy can deteriorate when not in use. Cover it with a suitable cover during the winter. The pole also requires minimal maintenance: it can be helpful to clean it once a year to prevent rust , especially if it's made of aluminum or steel. If it's a wooden pole, a wood treatment product will do the trick. If, despite these precautions, the parasol is damaged by time and weather, you can purchase a replacement canopy or spare part on the Belveo website.

In some areas, it's not possible to install a parasol ; in these cases , a shade sail can be a good solution. The sail must be chosen carefully and installed to create the best possible shade. A shade sail is generally rectangular, lightweight, and requires several fixed anchor points in the garden.

Creating an outdoor space to protect it from the summer sun isn't a simple purchase. You need to carefully choose the ideal model , taking into account the available space, the level of protection required, the soil type, and the area you want to shade. You should also consider whether this parasol is intended to be a long-lasting investment and how you want to integrate it in terms of color and design . Among the Belveo parasols, you'll find the perfect one to match your taste and your outdoor space .