Searches for “north-facing garden advice” rose exponentially in April as the UK braces itself for warm weather in May. Houses with gardens facing north have often been thought of in a negative light due to their reduced exposure to direct sunlight.
Despite this, one garden expert believes that there are steps homeowners can take to enhance their outdoor space if it faces north. Luke Newnes, Hillarys garden expert, told the Express: “A north-facing garden approached properly is not a compromise – it is a genuinely different kind of outdoor space with real advantages. During a heatwave, it is cooler, safer for children and far less work.
“Many of the upgrades that make the biggest difference cost under £50. The gardens that shine in May are not always the ones that face south.”
Mr Newnes explained how simple techniques, such as placing mirrors in your garden, can have an outsized benefit with just a modest financial outlay of just £10.
He added: “A weatherproof mirror fixed to a fence panel effectively doubles perceived light.
“A bird bath or small water feature catches the sky and bounces it back across the garden.”
Temperatures are expected to hit the low 20s this weekend in parts of the UK, meaning many people across the country are likely to be in their gardens either to soak up the rays or to prepare them for the summer.
Mr Newnes believes that for those doing so in north facing gardens, there are other practical steps to enhance their outdoor spaces despite a reduced amount of sunlight.
One such method was to embrace shade loving plants.
He continued: “Hydrangeas, hostas, ferns and climbing roses thrive without direct sun – and during a heatwave, they will outlast anything scorching on a south-facing border.”
Mr Newnes also believes that simply rearranging a garden can ensure that the most used furniture is placed in sunlight and that shade is optimised for children to allow for maximum protection from the effects of the sun.
He said: “In most north-facing gardens, the rear of the plot sees the most direct sun, not the area nearest the house. Observe across a full day before fixing anything in position.”
He added: “Shaded areas are the safest spots for play equipment during a heatwave – less UV, cooler surfaces, no overheating on plastic slides.
“Position swings and sandpits here, and it becomes the garden’s best feature on the hottest days.”
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