The benefits of south-facing gardens

What does south-facing mean for your garden?

South-facing gardens face south. They benefit from more sunlight, so they tend to be warmer from morning to evening. This can be great for flowers and plants, but it may mean that you need to water them more frequently.

How the garden aspect affects light, shade and temperature

The aspect of a garden, or which direction it faces, determines how much sunlight it gets. For south-facing gardens, this usually means the garden gets the sun for most of the day, which can also lead to higher temperatures.

The advantages of south-facing gardens

South-facing gardens offer a wide range of benefits, making them highly sought-after.

More sun throughout the day

South-facing gardens receive plenty of sunlight and very little shade. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so the south side of any house receives most of the sunlight during the day, creating a warmer garden and potentially warmer rooms.

Better growing conditions

South-facing gardens are perfect for green-fingered gardeners, making it easier to grow a range of plants and flowers that love the sun:

• Irises

• Tulips

• Petunias

• Sweet peas

• Rhubarb

• Tomatoes

• Courgettes

• Pumpkins

Keep in mind that these gardens may require more watering, as the sun can dry out the soil.

Faster drying

The increased sunlight in your garden means your outdoor area will dry much more quickly. South-facing gardens also provide ideal conditions for drying washing, and you may notice a cleaner patio overall.

Less moss and damp

South-facing outdoor spaces generally face fewer issues with moss and damp. The dryer environment created by the direction of the garden keeps surfaces and soil free of excessive moisture. The lack of shade throughout the day can also prevent moss from thriving in a south-facing garden.

More desirable to buyers

Homes with south-facing gardens are increasingly desirable to buyers, which can sometimes translate into a higher property value. Sunbathing in the summer or catching extra rays in the winter are added benefits for those looking for a new home. Both are provided by south-facing gardens.

Things to consider with a south-facing garden

Although south-facing gardens are usually desirable, you’ll also need to know how to manage your garden properly. If houses or trees obscure the sun, you might not see the benefits of a southerly orientation, as your garden will be shady regardless.

Sun damage and overheating

South-facing gardens can be subject to sun damage. The sun can bleach paintwork and outdoor furniture, requiring additional maintenance. You’ll also likely need a sunshade in your garden, as consistent sunshine can be overwhelming in summer.

Dryer soil

More sun means faster drying, and that applies to the soil around your plants as well. Ensure your plants get all the water they need by watering regularly, especially during the summer months.

Different orientations may offer better views

If the view is better from your house or garden when facing north, west, or east, the advantages of a different orientation can outweigh the benefits of the additional sunlight.

How to tell which direction your garden faces

There are a few methods for determining whether a garden is south-facing.

Use a compass

Standing towards the rear of your garden, take out a compass or use a compass app on your phone, and check if it points south. You can also use Google Maps to find out which direction the garden faces.

Make observations at different times of day

By observing your garden at different times of day, you can determine which direction it faces. Generally, south-facing gardens will get the most sun all day, and north-facing gardens get the least. East-facing gardens receive morning sun while west-facing gardens have most of their sunlight in the afternoon and early evening.

How to make the most of a south-facing garden

There are a few ways to make the most of a south-facing garden, including picking plants that thrive in sunny environments:

• Add shade. To benefit from some welcome shade in hotter months, you may want to add pergolas or umbrellas over any seating areas. You could even utilise taller plants to provide some welcome cool spots in your garden.

• Choose sun-loving plants. Not every plant thrives in direct sunlight, so make sure to pick your plants wisely – lavender, Shasta daisies and black-eyed Susans are just a few options.

• Use solar lighting. South-facing gardens are perfect for powering solar lighting. Why not try dotting around solar-powered string lights, or placing stake lights amongst flower beds or along pathways?

Other garden orientations and their advantages

If your new house or garden isn’t south-facing, don’t worry – there are plenty of advantages to other garden orientations.

North-facing gardens

Although north-facing gardens are usually shady, temperatures will be more consistent, and you may receive reliable evening sun from May to October. Plus, rooms at the rear of your home will generally stay cool in summer. You can still grow plenty of plants in a north-facing garden, including begonias, hydrangeas and fuchsias.

East-facing gardens

East-facing gardens are sunnier in the morning. If you’re more inclined to eat breakfast al fresco than sit outside after work, these gardens could be ideal for you. They’re also easy to maintain during dry seasons, as they are less likely to receive sun damage.

West-facing gardens

West-facing gardens receive a good amount of sun in the afternoons and evenings, making them perfect for relaxing later on in the day. You can also enjoy lots of natural light in your house during these times.

Which garden orientation is best for you?

Each garden aspect has advantages and disadvantages, and it’s worth weighing these up and deciding what’s most important to you when finding a new home. If you enjoy hosting regularly in summer, a house with a south-facing garden could be most suitable.

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