Buying a new home? One question might be nagging at you – should I go for a house with a west facing garden? It’s a biggie, so let’s break it down.
A west facing backyard is all about those afternoon and evening sun rays. Imagine kicking back as the day winds down, soaking up that warm glow. But there’s more to consider than just dreamy sunsets.
Will you be hosing kids running wild during peak heat? Does excessive morning light sound like your personal hell? We’re diving into the pros and cons so you can decide if a west facing garden is a paradise found or a sunny nightmare. Keep reading to ensure your home-buying decision hits the sweet spot.
Should I Buy a House With a West Facing Garden?
Alright, let’s dive into this burning question – should you buy a house with a west facing garden? It’s a decision that’ll impact your daily living, so let’s break it down and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Sunlight Exposure
One of the biggest perks of a west facing backyard is the sunlight exposure. From around 1 pm till that gorgeous sunset, your outdoor space will be basking in those warm afternoon rays. Can you picture it? Kicking back with a cold beverage, soaking up the sun as the day winds down. Bliss.
Plant Selection
If you’ve got a green thumb or dream of cultivating your own little oasis, a west facing garden could be a game-changer. Tons of flowers, veggies, and herbs thrive in that afternoon sunlight. Just imagine plucking fresh basil or snipping bouquets from your own backyard!
Outdoor Living
Here’s where a west facing yard really shines (pun intended). With all that late-day sunshine, you’ll be living your best alfresco life. Hosting backyard BBQs that linger long into the night, catching up with friends over cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon – your outdoor space will be the hotspot.
Energy Efficiency
Okay, let’s get a little pragmatic here. That afternoon sun can be a double-edged sword when it comes to energy efficiency. Sure, your garden will be lit up like a Christmas tree, but those west-facing rooms might require some extra AC to keep cool. It’s all about striking that balance.
Garden Design
Speaking of balance, you’ll want to get creative with your garden design to make the most of that orientation. Strategically placed pergolas, shade sails, or even some well-positioned trees can provide pockets of respite from the intense afternoon rays. Let your imagination run wild!
Looking For Mortgage Advice?
If you’re already scoping out properties and need some guidance on mortgages, we’ve got your back. Just hit us up, and we’ll match you with a specialist who can walk you through all the deets. No sweat, no commission fees – just good ol’ advice from the pros.
What is a West Facing Garden?
In case you’re still scratching your head, a west facing garden is exactly what it sounds like – a backyard that…you guessed it, faces west! To figure out which way your potential new garden is oriented, just whip out a compass (or that nifty compass app) and point it towards the far end of the yard while standing against the house. Easy peasy.
When Does a West Facing Garden Get Sun?
With a west facing setup, you can expect that glorious sunshine to start flooding your backyard around 1 pm. Of course, the exact timing will vary a bit based on the season (those summer days mean earlier rays), but you get the gist. Just be prepared for an afternoon/evening sun-sesh!
Now, it’s worth keeping in mind that factors like tall trees or overly ambitious neighbors could put a crimp in your sun-soaking plans by casting some unwanted shadows. But hey, that’s what strategic garden design is for, right?
Pros of a West Facing Garden
Energy Bill Savings
Okay, I know I mentioned the potential AC costs earlier, but hear me out. With all that natural light pouring into your west-facing rooms in the afternoon and evening, you could seriously cut down on your electricity usage. Less artificial lighting needed = more cash in your pocket. It’s a win-win!
Extended Entertaining Hours
This one’s a no-brainer. A west facing backyard is a party’s best friend! As the sun sets late into the evening, you’ve got a prime outdoor hangout spot for hosting game nights, movie screenings under the stars, or just chilling with your crew. The fun doesn’t have to stop when the workday ends.
Ideal for Certain Flowers
Calling all green thumbs and flower fanatics! Plenty of stunning blooms like roses, tulips, and jasmine absolutely flourish in the warmth of an afternoon sun-drenched garden. With a west facing yard, you could cultivate a flower paradise that’ll make your neighbors turn green with envy.
Family-Friendly Shaded Mornings
Here’s a perk for all you parents out there. With a west facing backyard, those morning hours offer plenty of shaded playtime for the kiddos. No more stressing about sunburns or overheating while they burn off that endless energy. You can kick back and relax (at least for a little while)!
Morning Sunlight at the Front of the House
While the backyard may be shaded in the AM, that west orientation means the front of your house will be bathed in that energizing morning light. Hello, sunshine! For all you early risers out there, it’s like a natural wake-up call to start your day off right.
Cons of a West Facing Garden
Increased Heat Inside the House
I mentioned this one earlier, but it’s worth diving into a bit more. All that intense afternoon sun beating down on your west-facing rooms could turn your home into a greenhouse situation real quick. Unless you’re prepping for a summer in the Sahara, you’ll likely need to crank up the AC to combat that heat buildup.
Potential Impact on Property Value
Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we’ve got to keep it real here. In the real estate game, south facing gardens tend to be the most coveted (and potentially highest valued) thanks to that all-day sun exposure. A west facing yard could make it a tiny bit trickier if/when you go to sell down the road.
Limited Playing Hours for Children
Remember how I said the shaded mornings were a perk for kids? Well, that afternoon sun can put a damper on their outdoor escapades later in the day. If you’ve got rambunctious little ones, you might have to get creative about keeping them entertained and cool during those peak heat hours.
Dimly Lit Back Rooms in the Morning
Since that hot sun is hitting the front of the house in the AM hours, your west-facing backrooms could be a bit of a cave situation first thing in the morning. Not exactly the bright, cheerful vibe you might be going for. But hey, that’s what sunlamps are for, right?
Excessive Morning Sunlight
On the flip side of that dimly lit back room problem, those east-facing front rooms and spaces could potentially get a scorching dose of morning rays. If you’re not a morning person, all that bright light first thing could be…let’s say, less than ideal. Invest in some good blackout curtains, folks!
The Best Direction for a Garden to Face
Okay, I know this whole article has been hyping up the west facing garden situation, but let’s be real – there’s no definitive “best” direction for a backyard to face. It ultimately comes down to your personal lifestyle preferences and needs. That said, south facing gardens tend to be the most prized thanks to that all-day sun exposure. But you do you, boo.
Is West Facing Garden Better Than South?
This is basically the showdown of the sunlight world – west facing vs. south facing gardens. Which orientation reigns supreme? Well, it’s another situation where personal preference takes the crown. If you’re all about those late-day rays, a west facing paradise could be your dream come true.
But if you want to bask in that warm sunshine from dawn till dusk, a south facing gem might be more your vibe. There’s no right or wrong answer here, just what works best for your sunny needs.
Creating an Outdoor Oasis
Alright, let’s imagine you’ve gone ahead and snagged that west facing garden of your dreams. How do you maximize that sweet, sweet sunlight and turn your backyard into an absolute oasis? Here are some pro tips:
Shade Structures
As we’ve established, that intense afternoon sun can be a bit…intense. Installing a pergola, shade sail, or even some well-placed trees can provide respite when you need to cool off. Strategic shading is key!
Outdoor Kitchen/Bar
What’s an epic outdoor space without an equally epic outdoor kitchen or bar situation? With all those late-day rays, you could be the neighborhood’s grill master or mixologist extraordinaire. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
Water Features
There’s nothing quite like the soothing sound of running water to amplify that laid-back, resort-level ambiance. Whether it’s a sleek modern fountain or a rustic stone-lined pond, a well-planned water feature can be the pièce de résistance of your sun-drenched sanctuary.
Lush Landscaping
Since your west facing garden is prime territory for so many gorgeous plants, why not go all out with the landscaping?
Optimizing West Facing Gardens for Energy Efficiency
While those afternoon sun rays are glorious for outdoor living, they can also wreak havoc on your energy bills if you’re not careful. Here are some tips for keeping your west-facing garden (and home) as energy-efficient as possible:
Window Coverings
Invest in some high-quality blinds, shades, or curtains for those west-facing windows to block out the intense heat when needed. Solar shades or blackout curtains can be total game-changers.
Landscaping for Shade
Get strategic with your landscaping and purposefully plant trees, shrubs, or even tall grasses that can provide natural shade for your home and yard during those peak sun hours.
Insulation Upgrades
If you’ve got an older home, upgrading your insulation (especially in the attic and west-facing walls) can go a long way in regulating indoor temperatures and preventing that greenhouse effect.
Also Read This Post
Designing a Low-Maintenance West Facing Garden
For all you low-key garden lovers out there, having a west-facing yard doesn’t have to mean endless hours of backbreaking labor. Here’s how to cultivate a lush, low-maintenance outdoor oasis:
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Since that afternoon sun can be pretty intense, opt for drought-tolerant plants, ground covers, and succulents that can withstand the heat without requiring constant watering.
Hardscaping Elements
Incorporate some stylish hardscaping elements like paved pathways, retaining walls, or gravel beds to cut down on grassy areas that need regular mowing and maintenance.
Automatic Irrigation
If you’d rather not be a slave to the watering can, install an automatic irrigation system that can be programmed to keep your garden hydrated with minimal effort on your part.
Selecting the Perfect West Facing Garden Furniture
With all that late-day sunlight, your west-facing backyard is just begging to be outfitted with some sublime outdoor furnishings. But what to choose? Here are some tips:
Weather-Resistant Materials
Look for patio furniture made from weather-resistant materials like teak, aluminum, resin wicker, or recycled plastics that can stand up to the elements (and hours of afternoon rays).
Sun Protection
Investing in pieces with built-in sun shades or retractable canopies can provide much-needed respite from the heat while still allowing you to soak up that vitamin D.
Plush Cushions/Pillows
Since you’ll likely be lingering well into those balmy evenings, ultra-comfy cushions and pillows will transform your outdoor setting into a luxurious lounge situation.
Enjoying West Facing Gardens in Different Seasons
Just because your backyard is optimized for those sun-soaked afternoons and evenings doesn’t mean the fun has to stop when the seasons change! Here’s how to make the most of your west-facing paradise all year round:
Spring Awakenings
As the weather warms up, your garden will come alive with vibrant blooms that thrive in the afternoon light. Spruce things up with fresh mulch, plant some colorful annuals, and get ready for an explosion of springtime splendor.
Summer Soirées
Does it get any better than a summertime BBQ or pool party in your west-facing backyard? Probably not. Just be sure to have plenty of shaded areas, cooling misters, and frosty beverages on hand.
Cozy Autumn Nights
When those crisp fall evenings roll around, your outdoor firepit or chiminea will really start to shine. Snuggle up with some cozy blankets and watch the colors change as the sun sets over your autumnal garden paradise.
Winter Winddowns
Don’t neglect your west-facing oasis when the temperatures drop! A well-placed patio heater or outdoor fireplace can turn your backyard into a cozy aprés-ski-inspired retreat for sipping hot toddies on those bluebird winter days.
No matter what the season, a west-facing garden offers a chance to reconnect with nature’s rhythms and bask in the glory of that sweet, sweet (albeit directional) sunshine. So go ahead – chase that summer sunset or fall head-over-heels for those firelit winter nights. Your outdoor living is about to level up! Copy
Conclusion
A west-facing garden offers a unique opportunity to soak up the warmth of the afternoon and evening sun. While it may not be the most coveted orientation, it can be tailored to suit your lifestyle.
With strategic landscaping, shade structures, and energy-efficient upgrades, you can create an outdoor oasis that maximizes natural light while minimizing utility costs. Embrace the changing seasons by adapting your garden for spring blooms, summer entertaining, cozy fall nights, or winter retreats.
Ultimately, a west-facing backyard invites you to slow down, connect with nature’s rhythms, and bask in the glow of the setting sun. Embrace its distinct charm, and you’ll enjoy a personal paradise tailored to your sun-soaked desires.
