The miniature umbrella (5) has an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the top of the plant pot (1). The plants (3) grow in the soil (2) in the pot in the usual way and the shaft (4) of the umbrella is driven into the soil in the center of the pot. The sharp end (6) of the shaft may have a self-tapping screw thread (9). Ribs (8) radiate out from the central hub of the umbrella (7), and the umbrella may be opened and closed.