The Microclimate of a Garden

When a new design is to be implemented into a garden, the local climate of the area is extremely important, but a microclimate that exists within the actual garden should also be taken into consideration. Adding to this, the new design can generate further microclimates in different parts of the garden by incorporating new structures such as trees, hedges, trellis, fencing, paving and
solid walls.

We could say there is microclimate within a microclimate within a localised climate. Phew! Now that has been clarified, we can take a closer look at the key elements that create a microclimate.

1.Sunlight

Sunlight plays a major role in plant growth and supplies energy to not only raise the air temperature but also the temperature of the soil.

A designer can position the garden beds to benefit from maximum sunshine and by also planting against existing south facing walls that absorb the heat radiation to maximise on flowering and fruiting.
The addition of a south facing terraced area, particularly of a natural stone, will raise the temperature and enable many potted plants to thrive and any raised garden beds in the vicinity will benefit immensely, not to mention a warmer area for seating and al fresco dining too.

A glasshouse retains vast amounts of heat radiation and is highly recommended for those tender loving plants that are more suited for a warmer Mediterranean climate. Cold frames and glasshouses enable complete control from the elements and a variety of microclimates can be created, the positioning is of the up most importance; away from shade, falling leaves and wind funnels.
A water feature, such as a pond, can maintain a cool temperature in relation to the surrounding area and a genial place to repose.

Plants grown against a north facing solid wall will most likely be subjected to full shade and cooler temperatures in comparison
to the south facing side of the wall which will be subjected to full sun and a different microclimate.
The area of shade in the winter can be much greater than during the summer as the sun sits higher in the sky.

Introducing large trees will create areas of shade and again changing the microclimate. Planting under treetop canopies and next to hedges will more likely be subjected to a dapple shade and experience an environment similar to that of a woodland.

It is, therefore, important when designing a new garden to take into consideration the newly formed areas that increase heat and shade from new structures such as a solid wall, fencing, trellis, pergolas and trees.

2.Wind

Wind has a huge effect on the design of a garden and it should be managed and mitigated to prevent damage to plants and structures.
Strong winds can cause havoc, but light winds are beneficial in preventing a stagnant atmosphere and the diseases that thrive in humidity.
Wind funnelling may exist in the garden and it is best to avoid planting delicate plants in these areas.
There are two main types of windbreak that can be implemented; a structural windbreak or a natural windbreak.
A man-made structure should be permeable to allow some gusts to pass through, albeit, at a reduced speed, a bespoke timber slat fence is an ideal example. A solid non-impermeable windbreak, such as a brick wall at times can be ineffective as downdraught and turbulence will exist on the leeward side.
A natural windbreak will consist of planting a suitable hedge or trees to lessen the wind as it passes through and into the garden.
It should be noted that the growing conditions on each side of a windbreak will be different; the leeward side close to the hedge or wall may also receive less rainfall.

The conclusion:
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It is possible to create a variety of different microclimates within a single garden, that in itself may have its own localised or microclimate in relation to its surrounding area.