All plants can survive for short periods without light. The plants have no chlorophyll and get all their nutrients by parasitically attaching to the roots of nearby plants instead. Although broomrape doesn’t harness sunlight itself, it is still indirectly reliant on the Sun to provide energy to its host plant.

We get energy from the food we eat. Plants get energy from light through a process called photosynthesis. This is how light affects the growth of a plant. Without light, a plant would not be able to produce the energy it needs to grow.

Most plants requiring either part sun or part shade do well in filtered light for most of the day, or direct sun during the morning or afternoon. Keep in mind that several hours of afternoon sun are more intense and create more heat than morning sun. These plants may bloom poorly if given too little sun.

Some of the best climbers for an east facing wall are honeysuckle, virginia creeper, berberis, chocolate vine, pyracantha, nicotiana, and variegated ivy. These climbers put on a fantastic leafy show with pretty flowers and provide food for pollinators.

south

West-facing walls receive the strongest sun at the hottest part of the day. Check that there is no significant detrimental overshadowing (of both windows and roof where photovoltaics and solar hot water may be located) by adjacent buildings and trees. Northern side of the house is free from major obstructions.

To make the most of the sun for warmth and natural light, your home’s main living areas (or any rooms you use a lot) should face north. The main glazing in the house, such as windows and glass doors, should also face north. Anywhere between 20°W – 30°E of true north is fine.

Ideally, for energy-conserving purposes, a house on an east- or west-facing lot should also have the long side facing south if possible. With the ridge line oriented east-west, this may mean that a narrow side of the house faces the street.

The easiest way to tell if your garden is south facing is to stand in it, facing to the rear and use a compass or app on your phone. If the compass says ‘south’, your garden is south facing. Alternatively, if you want to know what direction a garden faces at a house you’re keen to buy, you can find out on Google Maps.

For the most amount of sunlight all day, your home should be facing south. This means that the front door is facing towards the south and the sun rises and sets over it. This will give you a consistent amount of sunlight throughout the entire day.

According to vastu principles, main doors or entrances to a south-facing home must be placed in the centre of a south-facing wall or area. This is so that the energies of the home line up. Entrances towards the left of the middle point are also generally good.

north-east