North-facing gardens have the inherent issue of getting lesser sunlight. While South-Facing gardens work well due to easy access to sunlight, North-Facing gardens do not have this advantage. While one may think this is an issue, it can be used as an opportunity to design a well-balanced garden.
This is because a North facing garden has some sun and much shade. You can use this to design a garden based on a shaded theme. We can use plants suited to shade or tuned towards a colder zone than you actually are at.
Let us explore 10 North Facing garden design ideas that will leave you impressed. I am sure you can use this inspiration to make your own garden really beautiful and useful
Fresh herb garden for north facing areas
A fresh herb garden is a great way to add some flavor to your cooking. Herbs are easy to grow and don’t require a lot of space. You can grow them in pots on a windowsill or in a small patch of ground in your yard.
Herbs that do well in cooler weather include rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano. These herbs can add a delicious flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. You can also use them to make homemade herbal teas.
A fresh herb garden is a great way to get started with gardening. It’s a low-maintenance way to add some freshness to your cooking.
Container garden for the north
A container garden is a great way to add some color to your North-facing garden. You can use any type of container, from a basic pot to a more decorative planter. Just make sure that the container has good drainage.
Some plants that do well in a North-facing garden include annuals, such as impatiens and petunias. Perennials such as hostas and daylilies are also a good choice. If you want to add some color to your garden, consider adding some annuals or perennials that have white or pale-colored flowers.
Herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme also do well in a North-facing garden. If you have the space, you could even plant a small vegetable garden. Some vegetables that do well in partial shade include lettuce, spinach, and kale.
A North-facing garden can be a beautiful and tranquil place. By choosing the right plants, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional.
Raised bed garden, perfect for north facing garden
A raised bed garden is a great option for a north-facing garden. You can use raised beds to create different areas in your garden, such as a seating area, a planting area, or a path. Raised beds also make it easy to control the soil quality and drainage in your garden.
Another cool idea for a north-facing garden is to create a water feature. A water feature can add interest and movement to your garden. It can also help to attract wildlife, such as birds and butterflies.
If you have a north-facing garden, there are plenty of cool ideas that you can use to make it your own. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
Urban vegetable garden
1. An urban vegetable garden is a great way to get fresh produce right in your own backyard. You can grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruits in an urban vegetable garden. Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
2. To get started, you’ll need to find a sunny spot in your yard that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you’ll need to prepare the soil. You can do this by adding organic matter, such as compost or manure.
3. Once the soil is prepared, you can start planting your vegetables. Be sure to plant them in rows so they have enough space to grow. Water them regularly and fertilize them as needed.
4. Harvest your vegetables when they’re ripe and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Curb side container garden
One cool North facing garden idea is to create a curb side container garden. This is a great way to add some color and life to your home’s exterior. You can use a variety of different plants and flowers in your container garden. Just be sure to choose plants that will do well in a North facing garden.
Another cool North facing garden idea is to create a rock garden. This can be done by simply adding some rocks and stones to your existing garden. You can also add some plants and shrubs that are tolerant of the colder temperatures. Just be sure to choose plants that will do well in a North facing garden.
Overall, there are a variety of cool North facing garden ideas that you can use to add some life and color to your home’s exterior. Just be sure to choose plants that will do well in a North facing garden.
Well planned perennial garden
1. A well-planned perennial garden can provide beauty and interest in your yard for many years to come. Perennial plants are those that live for more than two years, and they can be a great investment for your north facing garden
2. When planning a North-facing garden, choose plants that will do well in partial shade. Be sure to include a variety of heights, textures, and colors in your design.
3. Hostas are a classic choice for a North-facing garden. They come in many different varieties, and their large leaves provide a bold contrast to other plants.
4. Another option for your North-facing garden is ferns. Ferns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they add a delicate touch to any landscape.
5. For something a little different, consider adding an ornamental grass to your North-facing garden. Ornamental grasses can add height and movement, and they come in a wide range of colors and textures.
Herb spiral garden
If you’re looking for a cool north facing garden idea, why not try an herb spiral garden? This type of garden is easy to create and maintain, and it’s a great way to add some interest to your landscape.
An herb spiral garden is basically a small spiral shaped garden bed that is planted with herbs. The herbs can be arranged in a variety of ways, but typically they are planted in a concentric pattern with the tallest plants in the center and the shortest plants on the outside. This type of garden is often used in permaculture design.
Herb spiral gardens are a great way to make use of limited space. They can be created in any size yard, and they don’t require a lot of maintenance. If you live in an area with cold winters, you can even build an herb spiral garden that is protected from the elements so that you can enjoy fresh herbs all year long.
Fragrant edible gardens
1. Fragrant edible gardens are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while also getting some delicious ingredients for your kitchen. Herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, and thyme can add flavor to your meals while also looking beautiful in your garden. You can also grow fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, raspberries, and tomatoes in a fragrant edible garden.
2. A cool north-facing garden can be a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can create a tranquil space by choosing plants that have calming scents or colors. For example, lavender is known for its relaxing properties. You can also add water features such as fountains or ponds to create a peaceful atmosphere.
3. A north-facing garden is also a great place to grow flowers. Flowers that bloom in cooler temperatures such as roses, lilies, and pansies can add color and beauty to your garden. You can also choose flowers that have a pleasant fragrance to make your garden even more enjoyable.
Kitchen herb gardens
One cool North facing garden idea for your home is to create a kitchen herb garden. This can be done by planting herbs in pots and placing them on a windowsill that gets plenty of sunlight. You can also grow herbs indoors under grow lights. Some good herbs to grow in a kitchen herb garden include basil, rosemary, mint, and Thyme.
Another cool North facing garden idea is to create a wildflower garden. You can do this by planting native wildflowers in an area that gets full sun. You can also add some rocks and boulders to the garden to give it a natural look. Some good wildflowers to plant in a North facing wildflower garden include black-eyed Susans, daisies, and coneflowers.
Windowsill gardens
1. Windowsill gardens are a great way to add some greenery to your home without taking up too much space. They are perfect for small apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.
2. Windowsill gardens are easy to care for and can be watered with a simple spray bottle. They can also be placed in a sunny spot to get the best possible light.
3. Windowsill gardens are a great way to add some color and life to your home. They can brighten up any room and make it feel more inviting.
4. Windowsill gardens are a great gift idea for anyone who loves plants or gardening. They are sure to appreciate the thoughtfulness of this gift.
A note on Working with available light in north
Some north facing gardens may have some direct sunlight and others may have shady trees around. Some would have more light than others. There may be a wall reflecting indirect light in some cases. If for example I had a wall on the north end, I would paint it white, to enable maximum light reflection.
A radical idea would be to install reflecting mirrors angled down, higher up on the wall to reflect the sun in full glory! If there are large trees, trimming and using smart topiary will help a lot. You could remove unwanted objects or vegetation to bring in more light.