It might be difficult to imagine long, scorching summer days, given the run of harsh weather we’ve had over the last two weeks, but spring and summer really are just around the corner. If you’re considering a parasol as an addition to your garden, here are a few tips on choosing the right size, shape and colour.
Why have a parasol at all?
Before we get into colours and styles, let’s first discuss what parasols bring to the garden.
Direct sun is lovely, but we know that too much sun is bad for us and so being able to provide shade in areas of full sun is important. Advances in garden parasol design mean that extra-large parasols on weighted bases, and with the facility to cantilever for even greater coverage, are readily available. Following the restrictions to indoor entertainment and the subsequent boom in covered outdoor hospitality, we are all much more familiar with the benefits parasols can bring to our dining and sitting areas.
Remember that shading any area in which you eat is sensible too, as food can deteriorate much more quickly in direct sunlight. That said, always avoid creating a fire risk by putting your parasol too close to your barbecue!
Style and visual impact
A parasol makes a bold statement and can be highly visible, particularly from the upper rooms of the house. Matching your parasol to the colour scheme of your garden furniture means it makes less of a statement, and green, to tie in with the dominant colour of your lawn and planting, is a popular choice in domestic settings.
Alternatively, going for an accent colour, a bold stripe, or even a patterned parasol can transform your garden into a tropical paradise, a French pavement café or a Mediterranean beach bar.
To learn about accent colours and how they can complement or contrast with the main colour of your surroundings, it’s worth studying colour theory. For typical garden green, a mint green acts as a subtle, harmonious accent, while a deep pink offers a striking contrast.
Can parasol colours affect protection?
Some garden owners might wonder if there is consideration beyond aesthetics to be given to parasol colour.
In a garden parasol, the exterior material absorbs ultraviolet (UV) rays. This means that darker colours absorb more, with black absorbing up to 90% of the sun’s rays, according to a study by Emory University School of Medicine. The same study showed that other colours achieved a 77% reduction in UV ray penetration. However, black is rarely chosen for garden décor as it’s not associated with nature in the same way as lighter shades.
A parasol also blocks the rays, ensuring that UV exposure in limited underneath its main span, and this can be achieved using any colour if the material is sufficiently dense. Canopies and parasols are given an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating usually specified on the manufacturer’s label. This is the same as the ratings used for sunscreen and outdoor clothing. A rating of 50 and above means that the fabric can stop up to 98 % of UV rays.
Stylish, practical, and adaptable, a parasol will make a fantastic addition to any garden.
