How to Create a Bamboo Shade

It is easy to make attractive, inexpensive designer garden structures to add interest to almost any kind of garden. A simple structure to erect is a freestanding bamboo shade screen to highlight a special ornamental tree, plant or climbing vine. It can also be used as a screen to shade a tender plant from direct sun. Here is how to make a freestanding bamboo screen to add designer interest to your garden.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose an area to display a special plant, vine or ornamental tree. It can become a focal point of the garden or just a secluded area that needs shade.

2. Purchase two or three tall, 3- to 4-inch diameter bamboo poles and a roll of outdoor bamboo garden screening material.

3. Measure the width you want the screen to be and drive one bamboo pole into the ground firmly at each end. Be careful not to crack the ends of the bamboo when driving them into the ground. If you prefer an open V-shaped screen, use three poles at equal distances with the rear pole set back.

4. Cut the bamboo screening to the correct size and attach it to the bamboo poles using pre-drilled holes and outdoor screws.

5. Plant climbing vines, ornamental trees or other shrubs by your new freestanding shade screen structure. The screen will add designer interest and draw attention to the featured plant in your garden.

Tips & Warnings

• This bamboo structure can also be used to create a semi-private designer seating area to your garden where you can sit and relax in the shade.