Question
Hello Laura,
I am in the process of planning new flowerbeds on the north side of my house.  I live in zone 7a.  I know the sun's angle is different now than it will be in the summer.  How do I calculate this change in figuring amount of sun/shade for various areas of the beds?  Any info.or resources you can share, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Answer
2 sites:  One shows the concept of WHY it is more shady in the winter than in the summer.

The other tells you what the angle of the sun is in relation to your dwelling, so that you can calculate the degree to which your north-facing yard will be in the shade... it has to do with your northern (or southern!) global position, relative to the equator.

http://www-spof.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Sunangle.htm

http://www.susdesign.com/sunangle/

OR you can just go out there on December 21st & June 21st at high noon, and drive a stake in the ground! Of course, you would take the angle off of the roof eave, and project it down to the ground (facing north).

Finally, here some ideas for that shady garden spot -

http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Garden/shadegar.htm

Hope it helps - Marc