Our little back garden heats up like an urban inferno during Washington's sweltering summer months. Determined to make our little garden usable this summer, I spent several weeks searching for a patio umbrella that would provide sufficient shade. The area I was targeting is about 11x13 square feet. Not big (obviously), but big enough to make it a challenge to stay shaded with a standard umbrella.
I narrowed my choices down to an offset (or cantilever) umbrella, which means the pole is off to the side of the sunshade.The main benefit of an umbrella that can be tilted and maneuvered in all directions is that you can adjust the shade with the changing angles of sunlight.
I compared costs and asked around and decided to go with a Costco umbrella, the Portofino Signature Resort Umbrella, which is selling for $799 right now (that includes the base, the umbrella, the cover and the shipping--not bad). I am a big Costco convert but have never purchased anything from Costco.com. Everything was seamless and easy and shipping was free.
This umbrella is awesome. It casts 100 sq ft of shade. A hand crank easily rotates the umbrella 360 degrees and retractable wheels mean I can move the umbrella around as the sun moves. A trigger grip handle allows me to tilt the umbrella into 5 different positions. If it gets windy the base, which I filled with water from the hose, is very sturdy and stable. The frame is powder-coated aluminum and the canopy is Sunbrella® fabric. It tucks away nicely when not in use, too.
Ok, humid Washington summer. I am ready for you. And so are my flowers, which you crushed last year!
(Images: Catrin Morris)
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We were having an issue at dinner time because in late summer it was impossible to angle the table umbrella such that the sun was not in our eyes. My husband cleverly repurposed our Christmas Tree stand so we could put the umbrella next to the table and block the sun. Many lovely family dinners ensued, my kids suddenly displaying fine manners and a love of green vegetables. Well no but I really love our umbrella hack.
I live in ABQ and the summer sun can be pretty brutal here. The toddler loves being outdoors but he (and I) are both the fair that spontaneously combusts when we step outside. I bought a small umbrella last summer to shade the backyard but was too cheap to spring for one that size but I'm seriously debating upgrading this summer.
Beautiful backyard and garden! Are those Pierre de Ronsard (Eden) roses I see? They are lovely!
Great idea! I love the fact that you can walk under the umbrella without the pole in the way. By the way, not sure if its just me, but in the 3rd picture....those bushes look out of control! It looks like they are so thick that you cant see out those windows.
@Operator: YES! You are so right. Those are the insane hydrangeas. I need to cut them back. Those are the windows to the little garage and they are adorable. Nice reminder! thank you!
DON'T CUT THOSE GOREGEOUS FLOWERS BACK! They are beautiful and rambling! For the love of mega umbrella, don't do it!