“A north‑facing garden isn’t a failed version of a sunny one,” says Luke. “It’s a different type of space entirely, and when you design it properly, it can be calmer, more resilient and actually easier to live with year‑round.” 

Instead of chasing sunlight that never quite arrives, Luke recommends treating a north facing garden much like an interior space, thinking in terms of structure, layers, light reflection and how the space feels as a whole. 

Myth 1: ‘You can’t grow anything in a north‑facing garden’ 

This is the most common misconception Luke hears, and one of the least accurate. 

“You can grow plenty,” he explains. “You just need to choose plants that suit consistent shade rather than direct sun. North‑facing gardens tend to have more stable conditions, which many plants actually prefer.” 

Evergreens, textured foliage and woodland style plants thrive here, providing interest without the stress of harsh sun or constant watering. Ferns, hostas, hellebores and hardy grasses all perform reliably, particularly in spring and early summer when growth feels lush rather than forced. 

Early spring is an ideal time to assess which areas get brighter pockets of light before trees and fences fully cast their shade. Those spots can be reserved for flowering plants that enjoy gentler conditions. 

Myth 2: ‘North‑facing gardens always feel cold and gloomy’ 

A garden’s mood isn’t dictated by sunlight alone. Luke points out that materials, surfaces and layout play a far bigger role than most people realise. 

“Think about how you’d lift a darker room indoors,” he says. “You’d use lighter colours, reflective surfaces and good structure and the same principles apply outside.” 

Pale paving, light gravel, rendered walls or painted fences can all help bounce available light around the space. Even small changes, such as swapping dark planters for stone or ceramic finishes, can make a noticeable difference. 

Mirrors used carefully can also add depth and brightness, particularly in compact gardens, while clean lines and defined zones stop the space from feeling flat or underwhelming. 

Myth 3: ‘Colour doesn’t work without sun’ 

While north‑facing gardens may not deliver bold, blooms, that doesn’t mean they lack visual interest. In fact, Luke encourages gardeners to think beyond flowers altogether. 

“In shade, texture becomes more important than colour,” he explains. “Leaf shape, size and movement create impact long after flowers have faded.” 

Silvery greens, deep emeralds and variegated foliage often look richer in lower light, while subtle pops of white, soft pink or pale purple can lift shaded corners without looking out of place. 

Summer is the moment to focus on foliage balance, ensuring taller plants don’t crowd out lower layers and that pathways and seating areas still feel open and usable. 

Luke’s biggest piece of advice is to stop thinking of a north‑facing garden as purely a planting project. 

“The most successful ones are designed like rooms,” he says. “They have structure, purpose and a sense of flow, not just plants pushed up against the boundaries.” 

That might mean: 

• Creating zones for seating, planting and movement 
• Using pergolas, screens or trellis to add height and definition 
• Anchoring the space with permanent features that look good all year, not just in summer 

“By prioritising layout first and planting second, the garden feels intentional even in winter, when growth slows. It can be a calmer, lower maintenance and forgiving space.

“You’re not constantly battling heat stress, dried out soil or scorched leaves,” Luke says. “Once it’s set up properly, it tends to look after itself far better than a southf acing plot.” 

With less need for daily watering and fewer plants struggling to survive, the space becomes somewhere to enjoy rather than manage. 

“If you stop fighting the light and start designing with it,” Luke adds, “a north‑facing garden can be one of the most peaceful parts of the home.” 

Top image: Luke Newnes, Hillarys