Landscaping For Afternoon Sun.
 (Read 100+ times)
By Glory Lennon
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Your yard is situated in such a way as to get abundant afternoon sun. Lucky you. Afternoon sun is glorious and no doubt you have quite the view of the setting sun. All the better. Afternoon sun is stronger than morning sun and can be downright harsh in more southern regions but if planting beds are arranged well this need not be a problem even in the deep south. In northern gardens, however, the more sun the better. Vegetable beds for example require as much sun as possible and therefore would do very well with afternoon sun. Many perennials and annuals also flourish well with bright, irrepressible sun. So, how does one landscape for such an extraordinary advantage? Actually, landscaping for afternoon sun couldn’t be easier.
To make the most of the afternoon sun, the placement of large shade trees needs to be carefully considered. To avoid blocking the afternoon sun in northern regions, trees with wide canopies should be planted on the north perimeter of the yard. This allows the sun ample opportunity to shine on your vegetable patch or sunny flower borders without much shade cast. Sugar Maple, Oak, Willow, Little leaf Linden, Fir, Spruce, White Pine, Apple, Cherry and Peach trees all do great in full afternoon sun.
Sun-loving annuals thrive if placed in containers that can easily be moved to follow the sun but when you have abundant sun this isn’t a concern. What is a concern is planting perennials and annuals which fade in such intense lighting. Plants that are labeled full sun will do great but those with a label that says part sun would do better with a bit of shade in afternoon sun. To do that planting a tall row of Ornamental grass such as Miscanthus, a hedge of Bamboo or even Hardy Hibiscus would provide a bit of shading for those more delicate plants.
Tropical plants love to be in afternoon sun and should be planted to take in as much of it as possible. Bamboo, Palms, Canna, Marigold, Petunia, Passionflower and Camellia all do well in afternoon sun in the northern regions. Sunny perennial borders or annual beds should be placed to get as much sun as possible.
For a sloping, rocky or dry area you may want to consider a rock garden. Afternoon sun would do it wonders ensuring it never stays wet too long. Alpine and Rock garden plants don’t usually like very moist places but they do need plenty of sun.
To cool off a very hot yard full of afternoon sun a fountain or waterfall with or without a pond could provide a delightful escape from it. Provide a bit of shading for the water either with water plants or a strategically placed shrub like a Burning Bush or several tall perennials plants like Hollyhock or Tiger Lily and the frogs and fish will be most happy.
Landscaping for afternoon sun is no more complicated than anything else. Just watch for the sun and note where it is around your home and you’ll soon figure out where would be the best placement for every plant of your acquaintance. The plants will tell you just by being themselves so do try to listen. It’s for your own good.
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 For more fun garden amusings, an amusing short story or a peek at an unfinished novel come visit me at http://www.helium.com/user/32782
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