Last Updated on April 8, 2024 by Real Men Sow
Most likely, you’ve heard of the term “south-facing yard” before. It may be in bold letters on marketing materials or that you were constantly told by an estate agent that a property they are selling has a south-facing garden.
What’s the fuss about south-facing gardens? Rightmove research shows that if you have one, it could add an extra PS22,000 to the value of your property.
According to Property Portal, south-facing homes are on average priced PS22,000 more than those without. However, properties with south-facing yards in Yorkshire & The Humber sell on average two days quicker than those with non-south facing gardens. What is a south-facing yard and why are they so popular?
South Facing Garden Meaning
Although the name is the key, buyers and renters often get confused by the term “south-facing gardens”. Simply put, a south-facing garden is one that faces south.
Many gardens aren’t facing the south gun-barrel straight. Most of them face slightly south-westerly, or south-easterly. All of these gardens are considered south-facing, and for good reasons.
Benefits of a South Facing Garden
South-facing gardens are very popular with property buyers because they get the sun all day. The sun rises and sets in the east, and moves between them via the south. If your garden faces south, it will get the sun all day. The following will reflect the conditions in your garden.
- Your garden will be warmer than the one facing in the opposite direction
- It’s easier to plant and maintain plants in a south-facing backyard garden
- You can dry clothes quicker
- Decking and patio areas will be less susceptible to moss and algae
Disadvantages
Although the benefits of a south-facing yard are outweighed by the drawbacks, there are still some negative aspects to a garden that gets sun all day.
- At the height of summer, it can be too hot to sit inside south-facing gardens.
- The sun can bleach outdoor furniture and stained decking.
- Your north-facing house front gets less sunlight
Is it Better to have a South-facing Garden?
It all depends on your outdoor space needs. A south-facing garden will work best for you if you enjoy sunbathing or are a keen gardener. As a summer gardener, these vegetables are also great to be sown in the warm weather.
If you don’t mind intense heat in the summer, a north facing garden might be a better choice. This will allow you to find shaded spots where the sun shines at its best.
A south-facing garden can make your home more valuable when you sell it.
What plants are best for a south-facing yard? Plants that love sunlight and can withstand heat in the summer are the best for a south-facing yard. These are some of the best options for plants for a south-facing yard.
- Sedums:love sunlight and should be planted in a sunny garden to prevent them from becoming ‘limp.
- Chamomile: Chamomile has a beautiful, aromatic look that shouts “huge daisy”. It also thrives in heat.
- Euphorbia characias – Euphorbias are beautiful additions to any garden. They can be grown in full sun.
- The cotton lavender: This is a Mediterranean-based plant that can withstand intense sunlight. It’s perfect for a south-facing yard.
