How to Maximise the Benefits of Your Garden’s Aspect and Orientation

Image courtesy of G.J. Gardner Homes

Understanding the aspect of your garden – or the direction it faces – and the conditions it will experience is an important step to enhance its potential. Grasping this understanding before you plan your build will allow you to create space for features that will maximise its benefits and minimise any challenges.

To ensure you make the most of your backyard, here’s what you need to know about the different garden orientations.

North Facing Garden

A north facing garden is often considered the most desirable because it receives the most amount of sun. Many homeowners and builders like to incorporate large windows and sky lights on the north side of the home to capture sunlight from the northern sky, where the sun spends most of its time.

Planting in a north facing garden means finding plants that enjoy lots of sunlight and heat. These can include roses, lavender, geraniums, grasses, grevilleas, petunias, aloes, frangipanis, hibiscus and virtually all Australian natives. Fruit trees, herbs and vegetables will also thrive in full sun, especially during the winter. Because north facing gardens are exposed to the harsh afternoon sun, you’ll need to take extra care to water your plants thoroughly and ensure the flowers don’t burn.

When it comes to garden features other than plants, it’s important to consider how you’d like to use your garden all year round. If you plan on using the space to dine alfresco or entertain family and friends, you may like to incorporate a covered deck which can shelter you from harsh sun exposure. An alfresco space with a retractable roof could be ideal. The roof can be extended to block out harsh weather conditions when required, and retracted for the times you want to maximise the sunshine, like in the winter months.

East Facing Garden

East facing gardens are generally a green thumb’s delight. This is because eastern facing gardens enjoy morning sun and aren’t exposed to the harsh heat of afternoon sun, which can burn and dry out plants. Because this type of garden won’t dry out too quickly, it’s important not to over water your plants.

There are flowers for every season in an east facing garden, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting beautiful blooms. From azaleas and camellias to gardenias, hydrangeas, petunias and pansies, there’s an abundance of flowers that will thrive in an eastern garden. Fruits trees and vegetable patches will also flourish.

South Facing Garden

While there are challenges that come with planting in the shady conditions of a south facing garden, there are plenty of beautiful plants that not only survive, but thrive in these areas. Hydrangea, mist flower, rhododendron and azalea particular love a southern position.

A shady southern garden can also act as the perfect spot for entertaining during hot weather, so enhance this space with paving or a deck with a gazebo or pergola. Also consider incorporating a fire pit or some type of heating to provide warmth on chilly afternoons and evenings.

West Facing Garden

A west facing garden will experience extremes in temperature and weather conditions, especially on summer afternoons when sun can scorch the soil and plants. But there are a number of plants and flowers that will relish the western location, provided you are savvy with the plant selection and positioning.

Geranium, lavender, bougainvillea, allamanda and wisteria will thrive and produce beautiful blooms in a western facing garden. Spots that receive more intense sunlight can also be used for fruit trees. Dwarf citrus and olives can be grown in large pots, underplanted with herbs to create a beautiful and productive garden space.

If you’re planning your build at Panorama Portarlington, be sure to consult the Design Guidelines, and discuss these with your builder and landscaper.