Tall plants like schefflera or ficus to provide shade may be your only option. If you have some kind of fence or railing between your patio and the sun, maybe try some fast-growing vines like morning glory. A tub of tall bamboo might do the trick. I know, plant kudzu and let the management deal with it after you move out.

Hi Chris

In mid-summer even some of the most sun hardy Neos and Bill get cooked, well at least here they do, I would say TX may be worse! Itecato I believe has the solution.

Cheers

Dennis

That just sucks, but looking at it from the landlords point of view I have to say I don't blame him. I have had tenants do things like that and the next thing you know one of the neighbors calls the city, and I get cited. It's hapened a couple of times, one bought one of those pipe and fiberglass panel carports for their boat, and another time one brought their garden shed, both times I was cited for building without a permit, I didn't get fined or have to go to court, but I had to go and get the permits, and have the inspections done, it was a pain in the backside.

Do they permit umbrellas?

Chris,

Palms in pots might be a another solution, I have read about someone up North using them as portable shade.

Rick

I use potted palms for shade. What else would you do with a dozen Areca catechu and other assorted palms that you have and don't need?

Thanks for the help guys! Off to the nursery to get some shade palms. Hopefully they wont cost me an arm and leg...