Bree, the Orchids grow outside from May to now in a 30 foot long cage without shade cloth. But there is a small Cherry tree on one side and a Japanese Maple on the other (that one is actually growing inside the cage.) The only other protection is the grid of the cage. I group them in such a way that the Vandas and Cattleyas receive the most light/straight sun and group others accordingly.
Here is their Summer home
Cacti & Succulents on the deck are protected by a roll of window shade draped across over the whole structure. Those in front of the house grow as is.
