North, South, East & West in the Garden

Site Planning Tips from Our Ancestors

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum) Photo source- https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/compassx.htm. The leaves of Compass Plant point in a north-south direction. Pioneers used this for directions - while this is true more often than not, the leaves are not always reliable.

Each of the cardinal directions can be thought of having its own distinct qualities, based on their solar and geomagnetic qualities. In fact, many ancient cultures saw them as having a particular personality.

• North is solid and quiet

• South is celebratory and expansive

• East is fruitful and promotes growth

• West is social

If you know the characteristics of each direction you can knowledgeably locate a bench, gate or plant bed in a garden. Below is a short description of each direction’s salient aspects.

North

Close up of the Winds Compass at Naumkeag in Stockbridge, MA. The north here shows ‘boreas’, northeaster and Tradewinds. North is the direction of wisdom & contemplation. A site on the north side is the best location for an artful viewing garden.

North – The Direction of Earthy Contemplation

North is the direction of all things that relate to the earth.  It is associated with quiet contemplation and meditative gardens. The north side of a house is the natural place for large stones and any artful item that is to be admired quietly. We look to the north for ‘grounding’.