How to Make a North-West Facing Garden Feel Sunny
- Martina C.
- Aug 16
- 3 min read
Struggling with a dark, cold north-west facing garden? Here’s how to make it brighter, warmer, and more inviting — even if the sun isn’t on your side.
Credit: gardeningetc.com
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Table of Contents
Why North-West Facing Gardens Feel Shady
In the UK, a north-west facing garden gets sun mostly in the late afternoon and evening.
This means:
Your back garden or front garden may feel cool and shaded for most of the day
Some plants won’t thrive
Spaces can feel damp or underused
Without smart garden design, you risk having a garden you avoid rather than enjoy.
Design Tricks to Bring in More Light
1. Choose Bright, Reflective Surfaces
Use light paving or gravel to bounce light
Paint fences and walls a soft cream or pale grey
Add mirrors or shiny metal panels to reflect sunlight
Tip: Avoid dark decking or slabs — they absorb light and make the garden look smaller.
Credit: naturalpavingstore.co.uk
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2. Position Seating for the Sunniest Hours
In a north-west facing garden, your sunniest spot will be from 3–7pm in summer.
Place dining tables where the last rays hit
Add a small bench in the brightest corner
Consider a raised deck to catch evening sun
Gardeners often recommend moveable furniture so you can chase the light.
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3. Pick Plants That Love Partial Shade
These thrive without full sun:
Hydrangeas
Ferns
Hostas
Japanese anemones
Foxgloves
Mix shade-lovers with light-reflecting white blooms to lift the space.
Credit: southernliving.com
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4. Use Vertical Garden Design
If your back garden feels boxed in, go up:
Climbing roses on pale trellis
Wall planters with trailing plants
Slim pergolas to draw the eye upward
Vertical elements add height and stop the garden feeling flat.
Credit: starkandgreensmith.com
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5. Add Warmth with Lighting
Solar stake lights for borders
String lights in seating areas
Uplighters for feature plants
Lighting extends use into evenings when your garden gets its best light.
Credit: willowandstone.co.uk
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How HiiGuru Can Help You Transform Your Garden
You don’t have to guess how to design for shade — just book a 1:1 with a garden design expert on HiiGuru.
With HiiGuru, you can:
Get tailored garden design ideas for your exact garden shape and light levels
Share photos and measurements live with your expert
Avoid wasting money on plants or features that won’t work
Plan for front garden and back garden harmony
Speak to a garden designer today and make your shady garden your favourite space.
Summary: North-West Facing Garden Tips
Challenge | Solution |
Feels dark | Light surfaces, mirrors |
Cold seating | Place furniture in sunniest spot |
Plant struggles | Choose shade-loving plants |
Looks flat | Add vertical features |
Limited use | Install warm lighting |
Need help designing your garden? Book a vetted landscape designer for a 30-minute video call for just £35 ($45). With HiiGuru you can save time, avoid costly mistakes and bring your goals to life with experts by your side.