When it comes to sunlight exposure, a west-facing garden is definitely considered to receive full sun. While it may not receive the soft morning light due to its orientation, it more than makes up for it with ample sunshine in the afternoon. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have worked with many west-facing gardens and have found that a wide variety of plants can thrive in this type of sunlight conditions.
It’s important to note that full sun doesn’t necessarily mean the plants will be exposed to direct sunlight all day long. In the case of a west-facing garden, the intensity of the sun may be strongest in the afternoon, but there may still be some areas that receive partial sun due to the angle of the sun’s rays. This combination of full sun and partial sun creates a unique microclimate within the garden, allowing for a diverse range of plantings.
When designing a garden in a west-facing area, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of the plants you intend to grow. Some plants, such as sun-loving perennials like coneflowers (Echinacea) and black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), thrive in full sun conditions and can tolerate the intense afternoon sunlight. These plants often have sturdy, deep green leaves that can withstand the heat and are known for their vibrant blooms.
Annuals, too, can be a great addition to a west-facing garden. Plants like marigolds (Tagetes), petunias (Petunia), and zinnias (Zinnia) are known for their ability to thrive in full sun. These colorful flowers not only add beauty but also attract pollinators to the garden.
If you’re interested in growing vegetables, a west-facing garden can be an excellent choice. Many popular vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash, require full sun to produce a bountiful harvest. These plants typically need about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, which can easily be achieved in a west-facing garden.
To make the most of the sunlight in a west-facing garden, consider the layout and placement of your plants. Taller plants and structures, such as trellises or pergolas, can provide some shade for more delicate plants that prefer partial sun. This way, you can create different areas within the garden that cater to the specific sunlight needs of your plants.
In my personal experience, I have seen the success of a west-facing garden firsthand. I had a client who wanted to transform their west-facing backyard into a vibrant and productive space. We carefully selected a mix of full sun and partial sun perennials, annuals, and vegetable plants to create a well-balanced garden. The afternoon sun beautifully highlighted the vibrant blooms of the perennials, while the vegetable plants thrived in the ample sunlight.
A west-facing garden is considered to receive full sun, although there may be areas of partial sun due to the angle of the sun’s rays. This type of garden can support a diverse range of plantings, including perennials, annuals, and vegetables. By carefully selecting plants that can tolerate the intensity of the afternoon sun, and considering the placement of taller structures for shade, you can create a flourishing and beautiful garden in a west-facing area.
