I built a shade cover for our plants (we live in Phoenix, AZ). The EMT pipes are 3/4" in size and we currently have a 50% shade cover attached to it. The frame is built around the tree so that we don't interfere with the tree growing bigger (and hopefully next year it will give good shade as well). The shade cloth that is attached to the frame is long enough for us to extend it or let it hang down (depending on where the sun is coming from). So far our plants are thriving and hopefully we can keep them alive throughout the hot Sommer months here in Arizona. To create a cozy feel at night, I attached some solar lights to the frame. I'm still working on making some more adjustments, but so far it has been working great for us!!