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Sun Sails in Garden Space

  • 1.  Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-18-2022 12:33:00 PM
    Hi all!

    Has anyone ever used sun sails in their garden space as a way to create shade for an outdoor classroom? Seems pretty cost-effective, but I am not sure how long they will last with varying weather conditions. 

    Thanks,

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    Sarah Lane
    KidsGardening
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  • 2.  RE: Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-19-2022 11:42:00 AM
    We use them over a playground but take them down in winter.  We are only one year in so I do not know longevity.

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    david henry
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  • 3.  RE: Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-20-2022 02:34:00 PM
    Hi!
    We used to have sun sails. I think they were from costco. We had 6x6  wood posts set 8 feet undergraound in concrete that held them up. On a windy day one of the posts broke. My teacher caught it with her hand before it hit her on the head! After that two parents who are structural engineers did some calculations and advised against using them anymore. So our board decided to invest in a tree. We spent $5,000  on a very laarges majestic evergreen elm. I could feel the temperature lower on the playground as the tree was set into place. I learned from Eric Nelsen/Outdoor Classroom Project that trees provide better shade than sun sails because of all the layers. At some point with sunsails the sun can still get in. 
    Good luck!
    Nina

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    Nina Moench
    DIG Childhood Center
    LOS ANGELES CA
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  • 4.  RE: Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-21-2022 11:31:00 AM
    We just added one this year on our west side of our building. It's our hosta garden and we have some picnic tables set up we use for programming. Unfortunately, the sun made it uncomfortable to use the space in the summer so we added a 20x16 sun sail attached to our building and the building next door. This has made it much cooler and we love it--we've even order a second sail to expand the area to cover more seating. Very cost effective--each sail cost about $60 with hardware and we plan to just take it down during the winter months. So far, it has been wonderful for us! You can see pictures on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lmelibrary/photos/pcb.10159829758677591/10159829757272591/ 
    Beth Duttlinger
    Lillie M. Evans Library District
    Princeville, IL

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    Beth Duttlinger
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  • 5.  RE: Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-24-2022 04:13:00 PM
    I haven't used them in my school gardens, but I use them here in Houston to protect my plumerias from the intense summer sun.  They work very well, and I keep adding to my collection.  I've had my original shade sail for 5 years, and it's still in great shape.  I highly recommend them.

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    Eugene Tuckwiller
    Houston TX
    7134985952
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  • 6.  RE: Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-25-2022 11:51:00 PM
    @Eugene where did you get your sun shade and what material is it made of?--
    Warmly,
    Mary Anne

    Mary Anne Rishebarger  410-599-2860
    Program Director USA, Monarch Sister Schools Program https://www.monarchsisterschools.org/
    Rotary Club of Baltimore Sunset https://www.baltimoresunsetrotary.org/
    Past Area Governor, Rotary International www.rotary.org
    ESRAG Member (Environment Sustainability Rotary Action Group) https://www.esrag.org/
    Zero-WasteRETHINK what you discard






  • 7.  RE: Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-26-2022 08:37:00 AM
    Originally, I bought them at Costco (or Sam's), but the last few I bought through Amazon.  Cost can vary widely, but I've never paid more than $50, even for the one that is 12' x 18' (non-standard sizes are considerably more).  I buy permeable HDPE with UV blockage.  I erect my own poles and add O rings, and an Eagle Scout weaves my rope to connect with the D rings.  Check for warranty and whether the ropes come with the sail or need to be bought separately.  Also be aware that as you add tension you create a little concavity in the sail.  The brands that I have are Coolaroo, ColourTree, and Amgo.  Coolaroo is the oldest and came with attached ropes.

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    Eugene Tuckwiller
    Houston TX
    7134985952
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  • 8.  RE: Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-26-2022 09:45:00 AM
    Thank you Eugene!  This detailed sun shade information is extremely helpful and affordable for all school gardens.  They are beautiful when installed in addition to bringing shade in these hot summer months.   Appreciate all the info.  I just visited Houston last month for the Rotary International Convention.  Too bad I didn't know you sooner, I could have come to see your garden space.  Not sure when I'll get back to Texas.
    Warmly,
    Mary Anne

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    Mary Anne Rishebarger
    Natural Partners/Monarch Sister Schools Program
    Baltimore MD
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  • 9.  RE: Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-26-2022 03:02:00 PM
    What great information! Thank you so much, David, Nina, Beth, Eugene, and Mary Anne.

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    Sarah Lane
    KidsGardening
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  • 10.  RE: Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-27-2022 11:48:00 AM
    Thanks!
    I just picked up a Sun Sail at Aldi in Baltimore, MD.  Can't wait to open the box to see how large it is, if the ropes are included, etc.  More to come.  It was cheap!  $20
    Warmly,
    Mary Anne

    Mary Anne Rishebarger  410-599-2860
    Program Director USA, Monarch Sister Schools Program https://www.monarchsisterschools.org/
    Rotary Club of Baltimore Sunset https://www.baltimoresunsetrotary.org/
    Past Area Governor, Rotary International www.rotary.org
    ESRAG Member (Environment Sustainability Rotary Action Group) https://www.esrag.org/
    Zero-WasteRETHINK what you discard






  • 11.  RE: Sun Sails in Garden Space

    Posted 07-27-2022 12:09:00 PM
    Excellent!  I know you'll be happy to have it.