North Facing Garden Design

A north-facing garden is often seen as a disadvantage, but with the right design it can become one of the most atmospheric and beautifully planted parts of a property.

The key is to understand how light moves through the space, where the warmer and brighter areas occur, how moisture behaves and which plants are naturally suited to lower-light conditions.

At Kirman Design, we provide bespoke north facing garden design across North West England, creating gardens that make intelligent use of shade, structure, planting, materials and lighting.

A north-facing garden does not need to imitate a south-facing one.

It needs a design that works with its own conditions.

What Is a North Facing Garden?

A north-facing garden is one where the main outdoor space lies to the north of the house.

This often means the building casts shade across the garden for a significant part of the day, particularly close to the property.

However, the exact light conditions depend on:

• Garden length

• House height

• Boundary height

• Neighbouring buildings

• Existing trees

• Time of year

• Local topography

A long north-facing garden may still receive substantial direct sunlight towards the far end.

Are North Facing Gardens Always Dark?

No.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions.

A north-facing garden can contain several different light conditions at the same time.

For example:

• Deep shade close to the house

• Bright indirect light in the middle

• Dappled shade beneath trees

• Direct sun at the far end

• Morning or evening sun on one side

Professional design can use these differences rather than treating the whole garden as one uniform shaded space.

Start by Understanding the Sun

Before deciding where terraces, seating and planting should go, it is important to understand how sunlight moves through the garden.

We consider:

• Morning light

• Midday shade

• Afternoon sun

• Evening light

• Seasonal changes

This helps determine the best locations for outdoor living.

Put the Seating Where the Sun Is

One of the most useful design moves in a north-facing garden can be positioning a seating area further from the house.

The conventional approach of placing the only patio directly outside the back doors may create a terrace that remains shaded for much of the day.

A second terrace further into the garden may receive significantly more sunlight.

Create More Than One Seating Area

Where space allows, a north-facing garden can benefit from multiple seating areas.

For example:

Near the house: sheltered morning coffee or dining

Further into the garden: sunnier daytime seating

Elsewhere: evening seating or fire pit

This allows the garden to respond to changing light throughout the day.

North Facing Garden Layout

The layout should be designed around both use and light.

We consider:

• Main terrace

• Secondary seating

• Paths

• Planting

• Lawn

• Privacy

• Views from the house

A good layout can make the garden feel much brighter and more usable.

Don't Assume the Patio Belongs Next to the House

The best outdoor living area may not always sit immediately outside the back door.

In some gardens, moving the main terrace further into the site can provide:

• Better sun

• Better views

• Greater privacy

A smaller transitional terrace can remain close to the house.

North Facing Garden Planting

Shade opens up an enormous range of planting possibilities.

A north-facing garden can support rich, textural planting using:

• Ferns

• Hostas

• Rodgersia

• Fatsia

• Hydrangeas

• Hellebores

• Brunnera

• Epimedium

• Sarcococca

• Carex

• Shade-tolerant shrubs

The exact choice depends on soil, moisture and the degree of shade.

Foliage Is Especially Important

In lower-light gardens, foliage can become more important than flowers.

Different leaf:

• Shapes

• Sizes

• Textures

• Shades of green

can create strong visual interest.

This is why plants such as ferns, hostas, Fatsia and Rodgersia can be so effective.

Ferns for North Facing Gardens

Ferns are among the most useful plants for shade.

They can provide:

• Texture

• Movement

• Architectural foliage

• Woodland character

They work particularly well with:

• Stone

• Timber

• Water

• Low-level lighting

Hostas

Hostas create bold foliage and can provide strong seasonal structure.

They work well in:

• Shaded borders

• Courtyards

• Woodland-style planting

Their broad leaves contrast well with finer grasses and ferns.

Rodgersia

Rodgersia can create bold architectural planting where moisture levels suit it.

Its large leaves work particularly well in generous shaded borders.

Fatsia

Fatsia can provide evergreen structure and a more exotic architectural character.

It works well against:

• Walls

• Screens

• Courtyard planting

Its large foliage can create immediate visual impact.

Hydrangeas

Many hydrangeas perform well in partial shade.

They can provide:

• Flowers

• Volume

• Structure

They are particularly useful where a softer, fuller planting style is required.

Evergreen Structure

Evergreen planting helps maintain interest during winter.

Possible options may include:

• Fatsia

• Sarcococca

• Skimmia

• Mahonia

• Evergreen ferns

The exact choice should reflect the individual site.

Trees in North Facing Gardens

Trees need careful positioning because unnecessary additional shade can make the garden darker.

Suitable options may include:

• Multi-stem trees

• Light-canopied trees

• Trees positioned towards already sunny areas

The aim is to add structure without reducing valuable daylight unnecessarily.

Multi-Stem Trees

Multi-stem trees can work particularly well in shaded gardens.

They provide:

• Height

• Privacy

• Sculptural form

• Filtered canopy

Their trunks can also become attractive features when illuminated at night.

Specimen Trees

A single carefully chosen specimen tree can provide:

• Focal point

• Privacy

• Structure

• Seasonal interest

The species and position should be selected carefully for the available light.

North Facing Garden Privacy

Privacy can become more complicated in a shaded garden.

Dense evergreen screening may block the neighbour but also reduce light significantly.

Possible alternatives include:

• Pleached deciduous trees

• Multi-stem trees

• Slatted timber

• Pergolas

• Layered planting

The objective is to provide screening without unnecessarily darkening the space.

Privacy from Upstairs Windows

If neighbouring windows overlook the garden from above, conventional fencing may not solve the problem.

Possible solutions include:

• Pleached trees

• Specimen trees

• Pergolas

• Targeted screens

These can be positioned to interrupt the actual sightline.

Don't Over-Screen a North Facing Garden

This is particularly important.

High solid barriers can make a shaded garden feel:

• Dark

• Enclosed

• Smaller

Filtered privacy usually works better.

North Facing Garden Paving

Hard landscape materials can strongly influence how bright the garden feels.

Lighter-toned materials can help reflect available light.

Possible options include:

• Pale porcelain

• Limestone

• Light natural stone

• Gravel

The material should still suit the architecture of the property.

Porcelain Paving

Porcelain works well in contemporary north-facing gardens.

Its clean lines can create a refined appearance.

However, because shaded surfaces can remain damp for longer, it is important to consider:

• Slip resistance

• Drainage

• Maintenance

Natural Stone

Natural stone can provide a warmer and softer appearance.

Lighter stones can help lift a shaded space.

Surface finish should be appropriate for external use.

Avoid Too Many Dark Materials

Dark paving, black walls and dense screens can sometimes make a heavily shaded garden feel more enclosed.

Dark finishes can still be used effectively, but usually as accents rather than dominating the entire material palette.

North Facing Garden Walls

Walls can help reflect available light if finished in lighter colours.

They can also create a backdrop for:

• Climbers

• Ferns

• Architectural foliage

• Lighting

In a compact north-facing garden, every vertical surface matters.

Climbers for North Facing Walls

Certain climbers can perform successfully on north-facing walls.

They can provide:

• Greenery

• Flowers

• Height

• Softness

The correct species depends on soil, exposure and the amount of available light.

North Facing Garden Drainage

Shaded areas tend to dry more slowly.

That means drainage can be especially important.

Poor water management can contribute to:

• Moss

• Algae

• Slippery paving

• Saturated borders

• Poor lawn performance

Good falls and drainage can make a significant difference.

Moss and Algae

Moss and algae are more common where surfaces remain:

• Damp

• Shaded

• Sheltered

The design can help reduce problems through:

• Better drainage

• Good air movement

• Appropriate materials

• Accessible cleaning

North Facing Gardens on Clay Soil

Shade and clay can combine to create wetter conditions.

The design may need to consider:

• Soil structure

• Drainage

• Plant selection

• Reduced lawn

Moisture-tolerant planting can sometimes be more effective than trying to force every area to become completely dry.

North Facing Lawns

Lawns can struggle in deep shade.

Problems may include:

• Moss

• Thin grass

• Mud

• Poor establishment

The answer is not always to keep replacing the turf.

Should You Remove the Lawn?

Sometimes.

A poorly performing lawn may be better replaced with:

• Planting

• Gravel

• Shade-tolerant groundcover

• Paths

A garden can actually feel greener with less lawn and more planting.

North Facing Garden Lighting

Garden lighting is especially powerful in a north-facing garden.

It can create warmth and depth after dark.

A scheme may highlight:

• Trees

• Ferns

• Walls

• Water

• Paths

• Sculpture

The objective is to create atmosphere rather than flood the garden with light.

Lighting Trees

Multi-stem and specimen trees can look particularly effective when uplighted.

Their trunks and branches create strong shadow patterns.

Lighting Shade Planting

Ferns, Fatsia and other large foliage plants can respond beautifully to low-level lighting.

The light catches the texture and structure of the leaves.

Water Features

Water can be especially successful in north-facing gardens.

It introduces:

• Reflection

• Movement

• Sound

• Calm

A shaded courtyard or planting area can feel particularly atmospheric with water.

Reflecting Pools

A still pool can reflect:

• Sky

• Trees

• Walls

and bring additional visual light into the garden.

Simple water can be especially effective in contemporary schemes.

North Facing Courtyard Gardens

Courtyards often experience substantial shade.

Rather than trying to make them look sunny, we can embrace the conditions.

A strong design may use:

• Ferns

• Hostas

• Fatsia

• Multi-stem trees

• Pale stone

• Water

• Lighting

This can create a rich and sophisticated garden.

Woodland-Style Gardens

North-facing gardens lend themselves naturally to woodland-style planting.

The design might combine:

• Ferns

• Groundcover

• Multi-stem trees

• Shade shrubs

• Bulbs

This can create an immersive landscape.

Japanese-Inspired North Facing Gardens

Japanese-inspired design can work particularly well with lower light.

Possible elements include:

• Acers

• Ferns

• Stone

• Gravel

• Water

• Timber

• Carefully clipped structure

The shade can add to the calm atmosphere.

Contemporary North Facing Garden Design

Contemporary design works perfectly well in shade.

A scheme may combine:

• Pale porcelain

• Architectural walls

• Multi-stem trees

• Ferns

• Evergreen structure

• Integrated lighting

The result can feel restrained and elegant.

Modern North Facing Gardens

Modern gardens often use a limited material palette.

This is particularly effective in smaller shaded spaces because it reduces visual clutter.

Small North Facing Gardens

Small shaded gardens need careful use of every available source of light.

Useful strategies include:

• Pale materials

• Vertical planting

• One strong focal point

• Generous shade planting

• Subtle lighting

• Filtered privacy

The design should avoid becoming too busy.

Large North Facing Gardens

Large north-facing gardens can contain surprisingly varied conditions.

Areas further away from the house may receive substantial sun.

The garden can therefore transition through several different characters:

Shade close to the house → mixed planting → sunnier garden further away

This can become a major design strength.

New Build North Facing Gardens

New-build gardens may combine several challenges:

• Shade

• Overlooking

• Poor soil

• Compaction

• Drainage

• Small patios

A complete design can solve these together.

North Facing Gardens After an Extension

A house extension can change the amount of sunlight reaching the garden.

A deeper building may cast significantly more shade than before.

This can require changes to:

• Patio position

• Planting

• Lawn

• Outdoor living

The garden should be reconsidered around the new architecture.

Outdoor Kitchens in North Facing Gardens

An outdoor kitchen can still work well.

It should be positioned according to:

• Sun

• Shelter

• Access

• Dining

• Services

It does not necessarily need to be directly outside the house.

Pergolas in North Facing Gardens

Pergolas should be designed carefully.

A solid-roof structure may unnecessarily reduce valuable light.

More open or adjustable structures may be appropriate depending on the site.

Fire Pits

A fire pit can be especially effective in a cooler north-facing garden.

It creates:

• Warmth

• Evening atmosphere

• A destination

The best location may be in a sunnier or more sheltered part of the garden.

North Facing Garden Colour

Colour can be used strategically.

Light planting colours can stand out particularly well in shade.

These may include:

• White flowers

• Pale green foliage

• Silver

• Lime green

However, darker foliage can also create depth and contrast.

White Flowers in Shade

White flowers can remain highly visible in lower light.

They can help brighten planting without relying on hard landscape alone.

Use Texture

Texture is one of the strongest design tools in a shaded garden.

Combine:

• Fine fern fronds

• Broad hosta leaves

• Architectural Fatsia

• Grasses

• Shrubs

This creates depth without needing constant flower colour.

North Facing Garden Maintenance

Shade influences maintenance.

The garden may require more attention to:

• Moss

• Algae

• Drainage

• Leaf clearance

• Plant thinning

The design should make these tasks practical.

Low-Maintenance North Facing Gardens

A lower-maintenance design may use:

• Groundcover

• Evergreen shrubs

• Ferns

• Reduced lawn

• Durable paving

The objective is still to create a planted garden, not simply replace everything with hard surfaces.

Common North Facing Garden Design Mistakes

Common mistakes include:

• Assuming nothing will grow

• Keeping the only terrace beside the house

• Using plants that need full sun

• Trying to maintain lawn in deep shade

• Installing excessive evergreen screening

• Using too many dark materials

• Ignoring drainage

• Treating the whole garden as equally shaded

Good design avoids these problems by responding to the actual site.

Can a North Facing Garden Be Luxurious?

Absolutely.

A luxury north-facing garden may incorporate:

• High-quality paving

• Specimen trees

• Bespoke planting

• Water

• Garden lighting

• Outdoor kitchens

• Pergolas

Luxury does not depend on having full sun.

It depends on design quality.

Can a North Facing Garden Be Contemporary?

Yes.

Contemporary materials and strong architectural structure can work exceptionally well with lush shade planting.

The contrast between clean hard landscape and abundant foliage can be particularly effective.

How Much Does North Facing Garden Design Cost?

The design fee depends on:

• Garden size

• Complexity

• Survey requirements

• Planting design

• Technical detailing

The aspect itself does not necessarily make the design more expensive, but it influences the solutions required.

How Much Does It Cost to Landscape a North Facing Garden?

The landscaping cost depends on:

• Garden size

• Access

• Soil

• Drainage

• Paving

• Planting

• Privacy

• Lighting

• Outdoor living features

A north-facing garden is not inherently more expensive than another aspect.

The site and specification determine the cost.

Is Professional Design Worth It for a North Facing Garden?

Professional design can be particularly valuable because the garden needs to respond carefully to:

• Light

• Shade

• Moisture

• Privacy

• Plant selection

The aim is to make the aspect part of the design rather than treating it as a problem to overcome.

North Facing Garden Design and Build

Kirman Design can take a north-facing garden from initial design through to completed landscape construction.

Depending on the project, this may include:

• Garden design

• Drainage

• Paving

• Screening

• Lighting

• Water

• Specimen trees

• Shade planting

• Outdoor living

This allows all of the elements to be designed around the site's light conditions from the beginning.

North Facing Garden Designers Across North West England

Kirman Design provides bespoke north facing garden design throughout Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley and across North West England.

We create shaded gardens ranging from compact courtyards to substantial residential landscapes.

Embrace the Shade

A north-facing garden does not have to be a compromise.

Shade creates opportunities.

Lush planting.

Ferns.

Multi-stem trees.

Water.

Pale stone.

Subtle lighting.

And carefully positioned sunny terraces where the site allows them.

The most successful approach is not to ask:

“How can we make this garden behave like a south-facing garden?”

It is:

“What kind of beautiful garden naturally belongs here?”

At Kirman Design, we create north-facing gardens that make the most of their aspect, using professional garden design, planting and landscape construction to create spaces with atmosphere, structure and year-round interest.

If you are considering redesigning a north-facing garden in North West England, contact Kirman Design to discuss your project.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Facing Garden Design

Is a north facing garden bad?

No. North-facing gardens receive less direct sunlight close to the house, but they can support beautiful shade planting and may still receive direct sun further into the garden.

How do you design a north facing garden?

Start by understanding where direct and indirect light occurs, then position seating, planting and outdoor living accordingly.

What plants are good for a north facing garden?

Ferns, hostas, Fatsia, Rodgersia, hydrangeas, hellebores and other shade-tolerant plants can work well depending on soil and moisture.

Can a north facing garden get sun?

Yes. Longer gardens often receive direct sunlight further away from the house, and some areas may receive morning or evening sun.

Where should the patio go in a north facing garden?

The best position depends on the sun pattern. In some gardens, the main sunny terrace may be further from the house rather than directly outside the doors.

Can I have a lawn in a north facing garden?

Yes, but grass may struggle in deep shade. Planting or alternative surfaces can sometimes provide a better solution.

What paving is best for a north facing garden?

Lighter porcelain and natural stone can help brighten the space. Slip resistance and drainage are especially important because shaded surfaces can remain damp longer.

How do you create privacy in a north facing garden?

Use carefully positioned trees, pleached trees, slatted screens, pergolas and planting while avoiding unnecessary dense screening that reduces light.

Can a north facing garden have an outdoor kitchen?

Yes. The kitchen can be positioned according to available sun, shelter and access rather than automatically beside the house.

Can a north facing garden have a water feature?

Yes. Water can work particularly well in shade because reflection, sound and surrounding foliage create atmosphere.

Is lighting important in a north facing garden?

Yes. Good lighting can highlight trees, planting and water and create a warmer character after dark.

Can Kirman Design design and build my north facing garden?

Yes. Kirman Design provides complete garden design, landscape construction, planting, lighting and drainage for north-facing gardens across North West England.