Gardens, Lawns and patios are recreational areas of the house, meant for bonding with the family, playing with your kids and pets, and lounging on a lazy day.
These areas are also specially designed to soak up the warm sun, especially in cold countries.
The warm and tingling rays of sun is relaxing, soothing and also helps in dissemination of Vitamin D in our body.
Patios and gardens are a hub for family activities: a place to enjoy a perfect barbeque lunch, perfect place to spend intimate moments with your partner, bond with your kids, enjoys a book, etc.
However, after a point of time excess of sunrays become undesirable.
Especially on warmer days, strong and direct sunlight is intolerable and also unhealthy.
Many people discontinue using these areas in summer's or on warmer days.
How to Make your Patio, Garden or Lawn Sun Safe? The following solutions can be installed to enjoy being out to warm your body with snug sunrays and avoid being burned by direct scorching sunrays.

• Awnings: These are one of the most preferred options.
  Awnings can be installed above your door frames or window frames.
  They not only provide you shade from scorching heat but also provide you safe haven from rains to enjoy the pleasant weather without getting drenched.
  These are of two types:

1. Fixed: the fixed ones stays in the same place where they are installed and stay in the same position.
   These are generally made of permanent frame made of steel or aluminum with a cloth, usually stripped cloth of bright colours, stretched from corner to corner.
   You cannot move or alter these ones.
   
2. Retractable: Retractable ones can be swiftly taken out when needed and neatly packed away when not in use.
   These are either powered by an electronic motor or are manually operated.
   

Retractable awnings are obviously a better option than their fixed versions, as you do not have to fuss over dismantling them in spring and again erect them in summers or monsoons.
They can be safely stowed back into their cassette all round the year.

• Shades Sails: Shade sails are a cloth stretched on three poles, making a triangular shape.
  These work on a tension system.
  These can be custom made according to your requirements of the size.
  These shade sails can either be attached on the walls of your house or on three poles sunk in the ground.
  

These sails have the plus point of being portable and movable in nature.
You can easily uproot them and take them along for shade on a picnic or when you are shifting to a new house.

• Canopies: These are a good alternative for people who want a permanent shade in their open areas.
  These are a cloth stretched on four poles dug into the ground.
  These can be made into a colourful and attractive looking sitting place in your garden or lawn.
  

The above mentioned simple measures can help in making your open and lush green recreational areas more functional and practical in all seasons.