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South-Facing Garden Style

Kellie Cade

Aug 29, 2024

TheUKmightnotbefamousforglorioussummers,butwecertainlyliketomakethemostofthesunshinewedoget.Andsouth-facinggardensofferaprimespotforsoakingupsunlight,providingnumerousbenefits.

Here are just some of the reasons why a south-facing garden is so sought-after:

More hours of sunshine to enjoy in the garden.
Optimal indoor light shining through from outside.
Excellent conditions for drying your laundry faster.
Reduced need for outdoor heating appliances.
Extended growing season for plants.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that it’s the only option – check out our guide to the best-facing garden for sun in the UK for more sunny inspiration. But if you are lucky enough to bag a south-facing garden – perhaps by reserving your Strata new home plot early – then here are some of our top tips for making the most of a south-facing garden, plus styling tips for maximising your sunshine.

Create a stylish shaded seating area for hotter days

At the hottest point of the day in summer, you’ll want somewhere relaxing to cool down. A pergola makes for a stylish shaded seating area that also serves as an extension of your living space.

Perfect for dining or relaxing, consider choosing a timber design and adorning it with trailing foliage to achieve a secluded botanical hideaway that blends in seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

Position trees and bushes strategically

With increased exposure to sunlight, having a south-facing garden will mean more plant watering and the need to have plenty of shade when sunshine is at its peak. Therefore, it’s important that your trees and bushes are in a good position so the shade is focused where you want it to be for the majority of the day.

Conifer hedges can create deep shade, whereas silver birch will create dappled shade to create a sense of diffused light. And for the remaining plants, remember to choose plants that will be happy in full sunshine for the full day.

Transform your south-facing garden into a tropical paradise

With sunlight on your side, a tropical garden theme is an optimal choice. Choose sun-loving tropical plants such as Hardy Fan Palm and Ginger Lilies that will prosper in the sunshine.

Large tropical plants such as bamboo and banana plants bring height and structure, creating a designated go-to spot for chilling out in the shade. You can then enhance the look further with vibrant rattan furniture in bold colours like neon pink or green to truly capture the tropical vibe.

Use solar lighting

Given the abundance of sunlight your garden will receive in summer, solar lighting is an excellent choice, as it can harness maximum energy to illuminate your garden on even a cloudy evening.

To optimise its effectiveness, position the solar lights where they will absorb plenty of sunlight throughout the day, ensuring that they’ll produce maximum light output for the whole evening.

Invest in a greenhouse

Keen gardeners can rejoice when it comes to a south-facing garden. If you enjoy growing plants or fruit and veg, then a greenhouse is ideal for a south-facing garden, as it will soak up plenty of light, providing your plants with a prime environment to thrive.

You’ll also get the benefit of being able to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables that otherwise might not survive in an open garden space, such as peppers, tomatoes, peaches, and chillies.

Set up your garden for warmer evenings

Since your south-facing garden will be basking in maximum sunlight during the warmer months, it is likely to become a much-used space. Transform it into the perfect garden party hangout spot for family and friends by incorporating eye-catching focal points.

Consider investing in a spacious seating area that will double up as a striking centrepiece – whether that be an L-shaped sofa or a sizeable outdoor dining table. You can also hang fairy lights over the fence to bring that coveted enchanted garden feel when the sun begins to set.

Tips for partially south-facing gardens

There are many garden layouts that may only be partially south-facing, such as cornered gardens or ones that are L-shaped. If you have this type of garden, here are some key tips to make the most of the partially south-facing area:

Place sun-loving plants in the south-facing spot to ensure they receive the most light.
Use reflective surfaces like a large statement outdoor mirror to direct sunlight from south-facing parts of your garden towards shaded spots.
Opt for shade-tolerant plants in areas that receive less sunlight.
Arrange garden furniture to make the most of the sunny spots for relaxation and dining.
If you plan to have a greenhouse, position it in the south-facing part of your garden to ensure your plants have the best chance of growth.