I'm curious, what type of palm trees are those that are close to your house?

We have a metal structure on our deck with a fabric cover. In the fall, we take off the fabric, but leave the structure up all year. They have things like that at home stores and department stores.

Or you way want to look for something that is called a shade sail. I believe. It is a triangular piece of fabric athat hangs from your house and elsewhere, like your palm trees!

Thanks everyone! Our yard is our pride and joy. We've designed and installed all the plants/trees. Working on the yard for 12 years. I'm new to Houzz and love the help and tips available. The palm trees near the house are Adondia or Christmas Palms. They are good for zones 9 and up, slow growing and look great in clumps. They are called Christmas palms because the seeds in the winter are bright red.

striped umbrellas .(INSPIRATION PIC)
Your garden is to "die for" !!

Beautiful garden Allison. I agree a shade sail might be the way to go, you could even get one in a bright color. A relatively open pergola structure would also work. You can add a retractable shade within the structure for when you want complete shade.

I agree on the shade sail.

Allison, I meant to say this to you when I posted! Your yard is gorgeous! I think the best gardens happen over time, and yours is no exception. It is obvious that you take pride in your home. Hope you will post a pic when you decide what you are going to use!

Love the umbrella pics, but we are concerned about having to store them for 8 months of the year. If we can do it right, I like the sun shade option. Thanks again everyone!

Hi Allison....I was thinking more of market style umbrellas, and you could always go with one large rectangle. I wouldn't suggest a color, just a neutral canvas, you don't want the umbrella to take the focus away from your
gorgeous garden.

an idea to consider for the future?

I love sail shades, and agree with the above suggestions that they could work well for your situation. i'd also consider a pergola, which has enough light coming through not to interrupt the winter sun inside. You can always plant a deciduous vine on the pergola for more shade in the summer, and I find pergolas architecturally quite beautiful as an addition to your home.

Hello fellow Florida Houzzer, your backyard is beautiful!

A motorized awning that would be installed above your sliders that you control when you need it. I love mine. Your backyard is beautiful.

You can use Infinity Canopy. It is supported by cables so it's retractable. Unlike regular canopies that are one piece Infinity Canopy modular so it can adapt to any space, configured in any width and length, and in one or multiple colors www.infinitycanopy.com