The benefits of a south-facing garden

The value of a south-facing garden

Beyond the lifestyle appeal, a south-facing garden can be a significant financial asset. Homes with this feature are highly desirable to buyers, which can translate into a notable price premium and a faster sale.

What does south-facing mean for your garden?

A south-facing garden receives sunlight for most of the day. As the sun travels from east to west across the sky, these gardens are bathed in light and warmth from morning until evening. This constant exposure often results in warmer rooms at the rear of the house, creating a bright and welcoming indoor environment.

Alongside their improved sunlight and warmth, the advantages of a south-facing garden can include lower home maintenance and better growing conditions for your plants.

Faster drying

The abundant sunlight ensures that patios, decking, and outdoor furniture dry quickly after a downpour. It also provides the ideal conditions for line-drying laundry, helping you save on energy costs.

Less moss and damp

This drier environment naturally discourages the growth of moss and damp on surfaces. The lack of prolonged shade keeps paths, patios, and soil free of the excessive moisture where moss and algae thrive, leading to a cleaner, lower-maintenance outdoor space.

Better growing conditions

A south-facing garden is a paradise for sun-loving plants, but your growing success lies in choosing species that can handle the heat and drier soil. Consider these sun-loving and drought-tolerant options:

• Flowers: Lantana, Salvia hybrids, Verbena bonariensis, and Rosa persica-derived (Persica) roses are all highlighted for their ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions

• Architectural Plants: For structure and drama, consider Eryngium (sea holly), Beaked yucca, or hardy palms

• Vegetables: Tomatoes, courgettes, and pumpkins will flourish, alongside Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme

How to make the most of a south-facing garden

Whether you have a large back garden or a small front garden, thoughtful design is essential to make the most of its south-facing position:

• Add shade. To create welcome cool spots in hotter months, add pergolas, awnings, or umbrellas over seating areas

• Create zones. Divide your garden into distinct areas for dining, relaxing, and playing. This can make even a small space feel larger and more interesting

• Use light colours. Light-coloured paving or gravel can bounce light around the garden, visually increasing the sense of space

• Install solar lighting. A south-facing garden is the ideal setting for solar-powered lights. Dot them along pathways or amongst flowerbeds to create a magical ambience as dusk falls

Things to consider with a south-facing garden

While highly desirable, south-facing gardens present unique challenges. The intense sun can bleach paintwork and outdoor furniture, and you may find your garden is too hot in mid-summer without adequate shade.

Dryer soil and water efficiency

More sun means faster-drying soil. Watering plants in the early morning or late evening can reduce evaporation, and using compost or wood chips as mulch can help retain moisture. Installing a water butt to harvest rainwater is another excellent way to keep your garden hydrated sustainably.

Pests and diseases

The warm, dry conditions favoured by sunny gardens can also encourage certain pests. Be vigilant for glasshouse red spider mite, which causes mottled leaves and fine webbing, and aphids. Encouraging natural predators, such as ladybirds, and ensuring good air circulation can help keep pests in check.

Other garden orientations and their advantages

If your new home doesn't have a south-facing garden, don't worry. Other aspects offer distinct advantages, and it's worth remembering that obstructions, such as trees or other buildings, can affect the amount of sun a garden receives.

North-facing gardens

Often cooler and shadier, north-facing gardens provide a consistent environment that is ideal for a wide range of plants. Plant shade-loving climbers, such as Hydrangea petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea), and perennials, such as hostas, ferns, and heuchera. These gardens are also a haven for wildlife – add log piles and ponds to create valuable microhabitats.

East-facing gardens

These gardens capture the lovely morning sun, making them ideal for enjoying breakfast al fresco. They are often sheltered from the afternoon heat, which can make them easier to maintain during dry spells.

West-facing gardens

Great for those who enjoy relaxing outdoors after work, west-facing gardens receive plenty of sun in the afternoons and evenings. This also means rooms at the back of your house will be filled with warm, natural light later in the day.

How to tell which direction your garden faces

Determining your garden's orientation is simple. The most reliable method is to use a compass or a compass app on your smartphone. Stand at the back of your house, looking down the garden, and see which way it points.

Alternatively, observe the sun's position at different times of the day. If your garden is sunniest in the morning, it's likely east-facing. If it gets the most sun in the afternoon and evening, it's west-facing. A garden that is sunny for most of the day is south-facing.

Which garden orientation is best for you?

Ultimately, the best garden orientation depends on your lifestyle. By weighing the pros and cons of sun versus shade, and considering how you intend to use your outdoor space, you can make the right choice for your new home.

If you have a preference, speak to our Sales Advisers who can help you select a new home with your preferred garden orientation (subject to availability). Get in touch to start your home buying journey today.