Sid, I agree with Paul, you could make 3 tiers on the South and West walls, but I would only go with 1 lower bench on the north and east. I would also suggest make the middle and top teirs only say 1 foot wide, otherwise the lower benches will receive too much shade in summer. Also be mindfull of the top teir being too lose to the roof, I've found some plants can't hack the heat/light up there in summer, so you may need to run black cloth behind it to cut down reflection. That's what I've found anyway in NZ with my set-up, which is quite similar to yours. Also, remember most of the light entering (April-October) will depend on what you are using for the walls too ? Are you putting shadecloth, windbreak or panelling on the east & north sides ?? Good luck ! Graeme

Hi, I'm in temperate, temps range from about 3úC (37úC) to 45ú (113úC). Natives grow fine in my front yard, gardenias grow there with protection, azaleas burn but survive. I guess my point was: By putting shade cloth over an exposed area with bright sun and searing winds, cold and hot, what does that effectively change the environment under the cloth into? I mean, if I look at plant labels and it says full sun to partial shade, that's talking about plants in the open, isn't it? But how do all these labels apply to artificial environments? I guess I should just experiment first, post results later.

hi i live in Canberra and wondered what people use to cover there plants from the frost, as some frost do get very heavy here in Canberra, i mainly have succulents and a few cacti type plants what is difference between all these houses would shade house be ok just covered with clear plastic or cloth Ingie

I love it!! That's kinda the way my old greenhouse was. I called it my cactus shelter. I used lattice on the ceiling to allow dabbled sun. Your plants look very happy!! Cute doggie!