What is the best location for the garden? (pros and cons)

The position of your garden determines how much sun you get and how best to design your outdoor space. This blog post will help you discover exactly which position is best for your garden and what that means for your choice of garden furniture and accessories . This way, you can shop efficiently and get the most out of your garden.

What is the location of your garden?

Grab your smartphone and open a compass app. This will instantly tell you whether your garden faces east, south, west, or north. To determine when the sun is shining in your garden, it's best to walk outside at different times of the day and observe where the sun is shining.

Do this in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Take photos or a map if necessary. This will give you insight into the sun's position throughout the day and tell you exactly where to place your garden furniture or shade.

Table: Overview of location and hours of sunshine

North-facing garden

A north-facing garden gets the least direct sun. While this may sound like a disadvantage to many, it doesn't have to be. In summer, it's a wonderful place to escape the heat. Especially during hot spells, it's pleasant to have a shady garden where you can find some relief. 

You often only get some sun at the back of your garden at the end of the day. By positioning your patio cleverly (for example, at the very back), you can still enjoy those last rays. Plus, your house stays cooler inside.

Furniture advice : Choose mood-enhancing elements like a fire pit or accessories that create ambiance even without direct sunlight. Comfortable chairs or a compact lounge area are perfect for this type of garden.

West-facing garden

A west-facing garden offers sunshine primarily in the afternoon and evening. This is ideal if you work during the day and want to relax or eat outside afterward. The sun starts shining around lunchtime and often stays there until sunset.

This location is perfect for summer evenings with drinks, a barbecue, or simply relaxing. You'll enjoy cool mornings and sunny afternoons and evenings, ideal for unwinding after work.

Furniture advice : A spacious lounge set or garden bench is ideal for enjoying the long, warm evenings. Also consider sun protection for the hottest hours.

East-facing garden

An east-facing garden primarily means morning sun. As soon as you wake up, you can enjoy the sunlight outdoors, perfect for a summer breakfast or a relaxing start to the day. Around noon, the sun often disappears behind the house, providing shade in the afternoon and evening.

For many people, this is the ideal balance: sun, but no greenhouse. This location is especially perfect if you have children who play outside early or if you're away during the day. Plants also get plenty of sun without burning.

Furniture advice : A compact patio set or table is a good fit, designed for morning and early afternoon use. Pair it with lightweight chairs for a fresh and inviting patio.

South-facing garden

A south-facing garden literally brings sunshine into your home. Here, you'll have sun most of the day, from early morning until evening. Perfect if you enjoy gardening, want to start a vegetable patch, or simply enjoy living outdoors. 

Furniture advice : Keep in mind that a south-facing garden can quickly become hot in summer. Good sun protection is essential: consider a  parasol , a shade cloth, or a canopy. Want to truly relax? Then sun loungers or adjustable chairs are recommended.

Northwest-facing garden

The advantages of a northwest-facing garden lie in the gentle flow of daylight: in the mornings, it's cool and shady, ideal for a fresh start or for plants that don't like full sun. Compared to a north-facing garden, a northwest-facing garden offers considerably more sun in the evenings, especially in spring and summer.

While a north-facing garden often remains cool and shady, a northwest-facing garden still gets the sun towards the end of the day. Compared to a west-facing garden, the sun starts shining a little later, but the difference is subtle. As a result, a northwest garden feels a bit cooler during the day, but still warm and inviting in the evening.

Furniture advice: Add soft garden cushions to create a warm and inviting atmosphere once the sun sets. Feel free to leave your furniture outside; garden furniture covers will protect it from evening dew and changeable weather.