WHICH WAY DOES
YOUR GARDEN FACE?
The direction in which your garden faces aects the
amount of sun and shade it receives. Consider this
when choosing your plants to ensure they will thrive
in the conditions you have to oer.
Simple observation of how much sun your garden
receives will give an idea of its orientation. South-facing
gardens receive the most sun, and north-facing sites the
least. To determine it accurately, use a compass. Stand
with your back to your house wall—the reading from
here shows the direction your garden faces.
KEY POINTS
• Trees, hedges, and shrub borders
act as buffers. They slow the wind
and provide shelter for plants and
for people.
• A sunny spot can be enhanced
with a raised bed to improve
drainage for tender plants.
• A windy area can be sheltered
with a permeable barrier, such
as a trellis.
SEE ALSO
• KNOW YOUR SOIL >> 12/13
• CHOOSE HEALTHY PLANTS >> 20/21
EAST AND WEST
East-facing gardens are sunny
but cold in the morning; hardy
plants that like shade are a good
choice here. West-facing walls
and fences have sun in the
afternoon and evening and offer
milder growing conditions.
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The amount of direct sun and
the sun’s position in the garden
change as the day progresses.
A south-facing garden will have
sun all day, a north-facing one
much less, perhaps none in
winter. Sunny gardens are often
more desirable, but shade does
have its advantages. There are
many wonderful shade-loving
plants that prefer to be out of
direct sun, such as Mahonia or
cyclamen, while in a sunny
garden, slightly tender plants
from Mediterranean regions, for
example, will flourish. The key
is to work with what you have.
Morning: areas that are in sun now may be in shade by the afternoon.
Midday: the sun is overhead, so the yard receives maximum sun. Evening: as the sun sets, the glancing light casts soft shadows.
GETTING STARTED // WHICH WAY DOES YOUR GARDEN FACE? 10 –11
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