Wondering where your dream garden (or garden room escape) should go? Short answer: the south side wins, hello sunshine and thriving plants! But don’t write off the shady sides just yet. North, east, and west all have their charm if you know how to work with them. Let’s dig into the dirt and find your garden’s perfect match!
When it comes to gardening, direction matters. A lot.
In the UK, the direction your garden faces, called its "aspect", determines how much sunlight it gets during the day.
That sunlight affects everything, from the plants that thrive to when you'll enjoy sitting outside.
South-facing gardens get the most sun. North-facing ones stay cooler and shaded. East gets the morning glow, and west soaks up that golden evening light.
Don’t worry, you don’t need a sailor’s compass.
Just grab your phone and stand with your back to your house, facing out into the garden. Open your compass app, the direction you’re facing is your garden’s aspect.
You can also use tools like Google Maps or apps like SunCalc to track the light throughout the year.
Handy if you’re planning a new garden room or plotting your next veggie patch.
If gardens had a popularity contest, the south-facing garden UK would win hands down. It soaks up sunshine from dawn till dusk.
This is your go-to for tomatoes, sunflowers, and sun-loungers. Your patio gets toasty, your plants thrive, and even your Monday coffee feels Mediterranean.
Want a veggie garden? You’ll get bumper crops here.
Here’s the catch: it can get hot. Really hot.
Plants may wilt. Lawns dry out. And that beautiful rattan furniture? It might bleach faster than your beach towels.
You’ll need to stay on top of watering and maybe create some shady pockets.
Love BBQs, big plant dreams, or kids playing outdoors till bedtime? This side's for you. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a buzzing, sunny space with room to grow, literally.
Let’s be honest: is a north facing garden good? You bet, especially if you know how to use it.
It stays cool and consistent, which is a dream for ferns, hostas, and anyone who melts in the sun. You still get a warm glow in the evening at the far end, especially between May and October.
Shade gardens are peaceful, calming, and full of texture.
Closer to the house, things can get chilly. Lawns may stay wet longer and some plants just won’t thrive.
Sun-loving veg and blooms might struggle without a sunnier spot. But don’t worry, plenty of shade-lovers will steal the show.
If you like cool, leafy vibes or want a restful reading nook with green views, this is your side. Think garden bench, dappled light, and the quiet rustle of leaves.
East facing gardens catch that lovely morning sun.
It’s gentle and warming, great for a peaceful breakfast outside. By the time the afternoon heats up, you’ve got cool, calming shade to retreat to.
This makes it ideal for those who don’t want to overheat but still enjoy the light.
If you’re more of a night owl, this aspect might not suit you. Afternoons and evenings can feel a bit flat.
Lighting becomes key, especially if you plan to entertain after hours.
If you’re up with the birds, this spot feels made for you. It’s also great for hydrangeas, camellias, and anything that scorches in strong sun.
West facing gardens are built for evening joy.
You get gentle sun by lunchtime, warming up into golden hour perfection. Ideal for hosting BBQs, sipping wine, or soaking in your garden room after a long day.
It’s that "kick your shoes off and relax" energy.
Your mornings might feel dull and damp. And come 4 PM? It can get toasty.
A bit of shade planning and hydration (for you and the plants) helps a lot.
If your garden time starts after 6 PM, this is your winner. Think fairy lights, warm bricks, and a cool drink in hand.
South Facing: Sun all day long
North Facing: Limited sun, mostly at the far end
East Facing: Bright mornings, shaded afternoons
West Facing: Sun from late morning through evening
South: Tomatoes, lavender, sun-loving blooms
North: Ferns, hostas, leafy greens
East: Hydrangeas, camellias, morning-glow lovers
West: Roses, geraniums, evening performers
South: Gardeners, outdoor lovers, sun-seekers
North: Calm retreat creators, shade fans
East: Morning birds, brunch lovers
West: After-work chillers, evening entertainers
So, what side of the house is best for a garden? If you’re chasing the sun and planting everything from tomatoes to tulips, south-facing is the best for sun in the UK.
But don’t overlook the rest. A north facing garden is cool and calm. An east facing garden greets the morning, and a west facing garden shines at sunset.
Every garden aspect has its strengths. The secret? Choose the one that fits your life. Know your light, pick your plants, and let your outdoor space grow into something wonderful.
Whether it’s a shady nook, a sun-drenched patio, or a garden room glowing with sunset views, there’s no wrong side, only the right one for you.
Ever dreamed of stepping from your kitchen into a garden office without braving the cold?Yes, garden rooms can be attached to your house, but once they are, they stop being “garden rooms” and become full-on house extensions. There’s a lot...
Dreaming of powering up your shed, or should we say, future garden room HQ?Short answer: You need to run underground or overhead cables, or go solar, but always follow UK electrical safety rules. Want your garden shed to light up...
Thinking of planting a garden room? You’ll need more than just a patch of grass.Short answer: A solid, level foundation, like concrete, ground screws, or pads, depending on your soil and structure. Keep reading to avoid wobbly floors, soggy corners,...
Thinking of taking your garden room with you like a giant suitcase? Short answer: yes, some garden rooms can be moved, if they’re built right. From foundations to cranes, it’s not exactly a walk in the park. Stick around to learn...
