Are you considering an east facing garden in the UK? While it may not be the most popular choice, an east facing garden can offer unique benefits and opportunities. This blog post provides all the required information to give you a complete understanding of the topic. East facing gardens with the sun in the UK We will dive into the concept of an east facing garden, determine if your garden is an east facing, west facing, north facing, south facing, north west facing garden or north east facing garden and discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of choosing this orientation. You’ll also discover practical ideas on making the most of your space and which plants thrive best in this environment. Lastly, we will address whether an east facing garden could influence the value of your property and how you can enhance it to boost its overall worth.
Understanding the Concept of an East Facing Backyard Sunshine
An east-facing garden is a green backyard that primarily receives sunlight in the morning and is sheltered from the intense afternoon heat. This orientation has several benefits, such as providing your back plot with ample sunshine during the crucial morning hours. It also allows the planting various plants that flourish better in full sun or partial shade. Using an app to track the sun’s movement can help determine the best placement for each plant. Designing an east facing back plot involves choosing the right plants, like ferns and lilies of the valley, that can handle the morning sun and creating shaded areas for the hot afternoons. Additionally, you can make the most of the direction of your garden throughout the year by planting seasonal flowers and using outdoor furniture for enjoyable mornings or evenings.
The Sun’s Position: An Essential Factor in an East Facing Gardening
The position of the sun, precisely the sun position, plays a crucial role in an east facing garden’s garden aspect. This garden receives precious morning sunlight, perfect for plants that require light but can’t handle the intense afternoon heat. The sun’s position affects the daylight and the temperature and moisture levels in the back plot, making it an ideal environment for shade-loving plants like honeysuckle to thrive. Gardeners looking to maximise the benefits of their east facing backyard should consider using reflective surfaces like mirrors or white walls to increase the amount of sunlight reflected into the space. Additionally, raised plant beds or pots can ensure each plant receives optimal sunlight. By choosing plants native to the UK, gardeners can ensure they are well-equipped to adapt to the climate and sun patterns of the region.
Determining the Direction of Your Back Garden
First, use a compass app or map to determine the orientation of your back plot; it will give you an accurate idea of which direction it faces. Next, observe in which direction the sun rises and sets on your lawn. Pay attention to the patterns of shade and sunlight throughout the day, as this can also indicate the orientation of your yard. Additionally, consider any nearby buildings or trees that may affect the sunlight your plant receives. Once you have determined that your plant lawn is east facing, you can see the benefits and design ideas unique to this orientation, such as how your green plants will shine in the morning light.
https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/maths/coordinates/how-to-read-compass/
Does an East-Facing Garden in the UK Get Plenty of Sun?
An east facing lawn in the UK receives sun, although it may have less direct sunlight than a south facing back plot. If your east facing garden is in the shade during the hottest part of the day in October, consider planting shade-tolerant plants. You can also use reflective surfaces or mirrors to redirect hours of sun to areas needing more light. It’s essential to consider how to make the most of the available sunlight, including the amount of sun. One effective strategy is incorporating reflective surfaces like mirrors or white walls into your garden design. These surfaces can help increase the amount of the sun reflected into the space, making it feel brighter and more vibrant.
Another way to optimise sunlight in an east-facing garden is by using raised plant beds or pots. Elevating your plants ensures that each one receives optimal sunlight exposure throughout the day.
Benefits of an East Facing Garden
An east facing back lawn brings several benefits to both gardeners and plants. The morning sunlight is one of the main advantages, making it perfect for early birds and plants that thrive in sunshine, such as sedums and snowdrops, as the sun moves westward in the afternoon; an east facing lawn offers cooler temperatures during hot summer afternoons. It makes it an ideal choice for shade-loving plants that require partial shade. Additionally, the morning sunlight creates a tranquil setting for a breakfast lawn, where you can enjoy coffee. Moreover, an east-facing backyard of your house provides optimal conditions for growing vegetables that only need partial sunlight or flourish in cooler temperatures. With these benefits, an east-facing plot offers a delightful space for gardening enthusiasts in the UK.
How Can Early Morning Sun Benefit Your Garden?
Early morning sun benefits your backyard during the winter and summer months by providing gentle light that promotes photosynthesis in plants. It also helps prevent heat stress during hot afternoons. Additionally, having an east-facing back plot means morning sun helps dry dew and moisture, preventing fungal growth. Back lawns with early morning sun exposure during winter may have a longer growing season and produce more fruits and vegetables.
Potential Drawbacks of an East Facing Garden
While an east backyard garden has advantages, it also has a potential disadvantage – the limited sunlight that an east-facing yard receives. Although it gets the most sunlight in the morning, it may receive less in the afternoon or evening, which can restrict the types of plants that can thrive in this back lawn orientation. On the other hand, a south facing garden gains adequate sunlight throughout the day, making it an ideal choice for various plants, especially those that require total sun exposure. If you’re looking for ways to optimise your plot’s sun exposure, consider using a sun app to track the sun’s movement throughout the day and to learn more about the disadvantages of an east facing garden.
Another drawback is the lack of direct sunlight in the afternoon and evening can make any back plot cooler than other orientations, making it difficult to enjoy the rest of the afternoon outdoors. Also, it can impact the growth and development of certain plants that require full sun or warmer temperatures. However, this orientation can be ideal for plants that thrive in shade or partial shade, such as those with beautiful foliage.
Moisture retention is also a concern in the northern hemisphere. Due to the limited sunlight, these gardens may retain more moisture, leading to mould and mildew issues. Proper drainage and ventilation become crucial in maintaining a healthy lawn environment.
Additionally, an east-facing plot may be better if you prefer to use your back plot in the afternoon or evening. As it receives less sunlight during those times, it can limit the outdoor activities you can enjoy on your lawn.
Considering the potential disadvantages such as limited sunlight and exposure to cold winds, it’s essential to implement top tips for choosing the right plants and appropriate gardening techniques to overcome these challenges and maximise your outdoor space.
Could Too Much Shade be an Issue in an East Facing Garden?
Excessive shade can pose challenges in an east- or west-facing backyard, such as an east facing garden means that the park receives morning sun and afternoon shade. To address this in a west-facing garden, opt for shade-tolerant plants or movable containers to follow the sunlight. Pruning trees and shrubs can allow more sunlight to reach the plot. Reflective surfaces like mirrors or white walls help bounce light into shadier areas, making growing plants in a west-facing garden easier.
How Does an East Facing Garden Compare to a North Facing Garden?
An east backyard plot offers more sunlight in the morning and shade in the late afternoon, making it an ideal aspect of your garden for early birds who enjoy warm temperatures. In contrast, a north facing garden receives less direct sunlight, making it suitable for plants that prefer shade or cooler temperatures. If you’re looking for a backyard with plenty of sun, consider a bright back lawn facing east with beautiful clematis climbing up the trellis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Hemisphere
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Hemisphere
Is Missing Out on Evening Sun a Major Concern?
Missing out on the early evening sun may or may not be a significant concern. It ultimately depends on your preferences and how you plan to use your plot space. For enjoying plenty of time outdoors in the evening, consider adding lighting or heating elements to extend usability. However, if you embrace the morning sun and plan activities earlier, missing out on the early evening sun may not be a significant issue.
https://www.kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk/news/best-time-of-day-to-feed-birds/
Making the Most of Your East Facing Garden UK: Practical APP Ideas
To make the most of your backyard:
- Consider these practical ideas.
- Take advantage of the morning sunlight by planting sun-loving plants and vegetables.
- Design your backyard plot to create a natural flow from east to west, utilising the sunlight as it moves throughout the day.
- Incorporate shade elements such as trees or pergolas to provide relief from the afternoon sun.
- Use raised beds or containers to maximise limited space and improve drainage.
Another idea is to consider adding water features or reflective surfaces to enhance the natural light in your outdoor space for growing plants, flowers, and vegetables. By trying and testing these tips, you can maximise the potential of your house’s east facing back plot and create a vibrant and inviting outdoor space.
https://butterfly-conservation.org/how-you-can-help/get-involved/gardening/gardening-for-moths
What Plants Thrive Best in an East Facing Garden?
Plants flourishing in a sunny backyard can withstand morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Popular choices include hostas, ferns, bleeding hearts, and astilbes. For colourful blooms, consider impatiens, primroses, or valley lilies. Vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and kale can also thrive in an east-facing outdoor space with plants and flowers.
Does an East-Facing Garden Influence Property Value?
An east-facing garden can impact the value of your property in the UK. With more sunlight in the morning, these gardens are desirable for outdoor activities and Home gardening ( read our blog for home gardening ideas). They also appeal to those who work from home and seek a sunny workspace in the mornings.
How To Enhance An East Facing Garden Sun to Boost Property Value?
Enhance the value of your property by planting suitable trees and shrubs like magnolias and camellias. Create a patio or seating area to take advantage of the morning sun. Add lighting for a warm atmosphere at night. Consider adding a water feature for tranquillity.
Conclusion
An east-facing garden in the UK offers several benefits, such as early morning sun and cooler temperatures in the afternoon. You make it an ideal spot for growing certain plants and creating a beautiful outdoor space. However, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks, such as limited evening sun and potential issues with shade. To make the most of your east facing garden, choose plants that thrive in this environment and enhance its value by adding attractive features like a seating area or a vegetable garden. Share your ideas and experiences with others by sharing this blog on social media.
