The house faces south-southeast and so catches most of the winter sun available at this latitude. On a sunny day the front porch is a hot green house that cools off by 20 or 30 degrees overnight. I have filled the space with plants. Generally most do well despite the short winter days.. In summer I harvest tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in relative abundance. At this altitude and latitude in this season orchids are a particular pleasure, both to me and to Siegfried.