Shading people and plants from the direct rays of the fierce July sun help to protect the health and wellbeing of both. Creating a shaded, welcoming oasis this month will coax older adults and their caregivers into continuing to enjoy your therapeutic garden, even as the summer temperatures soar.

The eyes of older adults take an average of five to eight minutes to fully adjust to outside light, making it that much more important to offer shaded areas that take into account their diminished visual acuity. Improving the physical comfort of your older adults encourages them to get outside and connect with the world around them as they continue using your garden.

Although mature, well-established deciduous trees offer the strongest shelter from the sun, a plethora of options exist to build a soothing, cooler garden.

Consider adding canopies, pergolas or shade sails to serve both as shields and as aesthetic focal points that encourage socialization and relaxation. The structures will reduce the surface temperature of nearby benches and other seated areas, turning hot summer spaces into places of tranquility.

A ceiling fan slowly swirling circulates and cools the air, while also creating the psychological sensation of cooler weather. In addition, plants in general contribute to pulling humidity out of the air (by means of water evaporation), changing people’s perception of the temperature. Climbing vines against brick or concrete walls, moss covered stones and the sounds of water from nearby water structures all trigger the impression of cooler temperatures.

Shade will transform your therapeutic healing garden into an inviting, cooler oasis that continues to serve as a destination for residents and families throughout the summer.