V_coerulea wrote:

Don't underestimate what Marc said about a sail. I don't put up shade cloth
of any kind here without it being anchored to at least a 2X4 every 2-4 ft.
Thunderstorms can throw out unpredictable and violent winds. If you don't
want to go for "real" shade cloth, maybe double or triple cheesecloth might
work but it really depends on where you live. Here in SC burlap might be
fine but in PA it might be too much shade. I happen to have an extra small
piece of 50% shade (about 4X10 ft) that you can have for the postage. It's
older, used, but also in very usable condition. Contact me offline if you're
interested.
Gary



Ditto... Although if you want to make it look nice, you could put
up an arbor or pergola of some sort. You can make a pretty nice shade
structure using that wooden lattice that they sell at the home center.
It comes in 4x8' sheets. Actually it comes in plastic, too, but I kind
of like the look of the wood. I suspect you could do a very good job
for under $100.

Anyway, it might be nice to have such a thing on a sunny deck,
regardless of whether you are putting orchids out there or not. The
wooden lattice would cast approximately 50% shade. If you needed more
shade, you could easily put some vinyl window screen over it (it comes
in rolls), or even buy some of that fancy shade cloth stuff. Or, you
could get vines to grow on it easily. Hop vine is a good fast growing
option, it might be casting significant shade by the time you were ready
to move the orchids outside. And with the hops you can make a nice beer
to drink on that hot (now shady) day out on the deck.

Oh dear, I've just convinced myself to take on another project...

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit