The hottest season of the year has arrived! The intensity of summer heat often confines us indoors, with air conditioning running non-stop. However, there’s a way to create a cooler environment by incorporating elements that contribute to freshness, such as plants. Strategically placing plants can not only help regulate the temperature but also enhance privacy, particularly for apartments that are exposed to neighboring buildings.
Photo by Forest and Kim Starr
To reduce indoor heat, alleviate warmth, and create a cooler and more pleasant environment, consider the following tips:
Opt for Tall Plants as Living Walls:
Creating a refreshing and lush environment can be achieved by strategically choosing tall plants that serve as natural living walls. The Green Pleomele is an excellent choice for areas with partial shade, offering a touch of elegance while contributing to temperature regulation. For locations with direct sunlight, consider the variegated song of India (Dracaena reflexa) which not only adds visual interest but also acts as a natural barrier against the sun’s heat. For those looking for sun-loving options, the Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata), known for thriving under sunlight, and the versatile and tropical clusia (Clusia fluminensis), adaptable to both sun and partial shade, are fantastic additions that can transform your space into a cool haven. These plants not only enhance aesthetics but also work as effective natural coolants.
Photo by Forest and Kim Starr
Climbing Plants for Pergolas and Balconies:
To transform pergolas and balconies with protective grilles into inviting and shaded retreats, consider introducing climbing plants. Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor), Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica), and the captivating Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) are wonderful choices. These climbers not only add beauty and dimension but also provide natural shade that cools the surrounding air. Imagine relaxing under a canopy of greenery, shielded from the sun’s intense rays while enjoying the pleasant ambiance created by these climbing plants.
Illuminate with Amber LED Lights:
Enhance the charm of your garden even after sunset by illuminating it with amber LED lights. These energy-efficient lights emit a warm glow (with low heat) that adds to the cozy atmosphere. Garden spotlights are easily accessible at construction supply stores and can be strategically placed to highlight the beauty of your plants while creating a serene environment for evening gatherings. The gentle illumination not only extends your outdoor enjoyment but also adds a touch of magic to your garden’s appeal.
Vertical Garden:
Introducing a vertical garden is a creative way to make the most of your available space. By planting vertically, you not only infuse your surroundings with lush greenery but also harness a practical solution to combat heat absorption through walls and structures. Vertical gardens act as natural insulators, reducing the direct impact of sunlight on your surfaces. These gardens create a visual spectacle, turning blank walls into living tapestries that refresh both the atmosphere and aesthetics. Consider selecting climbing plants such as ivy, jasmine, or even compact vegetable varieties. These plants not only thrive in vertical environments but also contribute to cleaner air and a cooler microclimate.
Water Features:
Elevate the serenity of your outdoor space by incorporating captivating water features like fountains or ponds. The gentle melody of trickling water not only soothes the senses but also has a cooling effect on the surrounding environment. Through the process of evaporation, water features help naturally reduce temperatures. As water molecules transition from liquid to vapor, they draw heat energy from their surroundings, creating a subtle, refreshing breeze. The play of light on water also adds a touch of enchantment to your outdoor oasis, making it an even more inviting retreat during hot days.
Shade Sail or Pergola:
For the perfect balance of comfort and style, consider installing a shade sail or pergola over your outdoor seating areas. These structures offer more than just relief from direct sunlight—they create inviting spaces for relaxation and socializing. By strategically positioning shade sails or constructing pergolas, you can design shaded zones that shield you from the harsh sun. Enhance their cooling effects by adorning them with climbing plants. Vines like wisteria, grapevines, or passionflowers not only provide additional shade but also infuse the area with their pleasant fragrances and vibrant colors.
Cooling Hardscapes:
When designing your outdoor space, don’t underestimate the influence of hardscape materials on temperature regulation. Opt for cool-colored materials like light-toned stone or gravel for your pathways and seating areas. These materials possess the ability to reflect a significant amount of sunlight, minimizing heat absorption. The result is a ground surface that remains comfortably cool even on scorching days. By thoughtfully selecting hardscape elements, you create a harmonious interplay between the built environment and nature. This thoughtful approach not only promotes a cooler ambiance but also ensures your space is visually appealing and inviting.
Brise Soleil Végétal:
For a unique blend of functionality and beauty, consider integrating a “Brise Soleil Végétal” or vegetated sunshade. This innovative solution combines architectural design with the cooling benefits of plant life. Typically installed on the exterior of buildings, these structures consist of horizontal slats that provide shade while allowing sunlight to filter through. By incorporating climbing plants like bougainvillea, morning glory, or creeping fig, you can transform these sunshades into living canvases that not only shield your space from intense sunlight but also contribute to temperature regulation. These plants create a microclimate by releasing moisture through transpiration, resulting in a cooler and more comfortable environment.
Green Roof:
Elevate your garden to new heights—literally—with a green roof. A green roof involves covering the top of a structure with a layer of vegetation, providing an array of benefits. Not only does it add a lush touch to urban environments, but it also acts as an efficient insulator, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by your building. By creating an additional layer of plant life, a green roof helps lower ambient temperatures through the process of evapotranspiration. It also mitigates the urban heat island effect by replacing heat-absorbing surfaces with cooling vegetation. Choose hardy plants like sedums, grasses, and herbs that can thrive in the rooftop environment, transforming it into a refreshing oasis that cools both your building and the surrounding air.
Embracing the heat of summer doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort and style in your living spaces. By integrating a range of cooling strategies, from strategic plant placement and vertical gardens to water features and innovative structures, you can create an inviting haven that beats the heat naturally. Let your garden flourish not only as an aesthetic delight but as a functional oasis that ensures comfort during the warmest months. By thoughtfully considering the interaction between plant life, architecture, and design, you’ll craft an environment that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also refreshingly cool—a true testament to the harmonious marriage of nature and creativity. So, step into a realm of tranquility and rejuvenation, where greenery and ingenuity combine to create a delightful respite from the summer’s embrace.
