Calendar summer has arrived in Central Texas and it feels more like August than late June. The early and prolonged heat wave has been brutal on our plants and gardens. Even the well-established, heat loving plants are beginning to show signs of stress.Most plants benefit from afternoon shade, but especially young plants. To help your plants survive the rest of the summer, make sure they get some afternoon shade at least until they are established. When it comes to providing shade, there are options. You can use something that you have already, like an old white sheet or a window screen.