Good plan, Anne. North facing is great for photography, but so much for growing plants.
My favorite exposure for best light is:
1. East - spring and summer
2. South - fall and winter
3. West, if that's all you have, but in the spring, summer, and early fall, watch out for that intense afternoon sun
4. North - you might have plants live but they probably won't thrive or bloom
Just my opinion, you understand.