As a garden designer when making plants selections I will often consider any possible microclimate that might be prevalent on site due to the aspect and location of the project. For example, some years ago, I designed a small woodland area in a much larger project in which I included several tree ferns. At the time every told me I was crazy and that the tree ferns would not survive due to the location of the project. I however was convinced they would survive just fine with some winter protection due to the proximity of the area in the garden to the house and some very tall well established boundary trees. When judging the suitability of a particular plant to any given location the RHS I find often seem to use a plants hardiness based on an open field aspect as a rule of thumb which can lead many to overlook or avoid plants that might well do well in their garden due to the presence of a localised microclimate.
So, what exactly is a microclimate you might ask?
Microclimates are localised
climate zones within a broader area, influenced by factors such as topography,
proximity to bodies of water, vegetation, and human-made structures. In simpler
terms, they're the mini ecosystems that exist within your garden, each with its
own temperature, humidity, and sunlight levels.
Recognising Microclimates in Your Garden
Identifying microclimates
requires keen observation and an understanding of how various elements
interact. Here are some common microclimates you might encounter:
South-Facing Walls: Walls facing south tend to absorb and radiate heat, creating warmer microclimates ideal for sun-loving plants, even in cooler climates. These areas are perfect for Mediterranean or tropical plants that thrive in warmth and sunlight.
Sheltered Areas: Sheltered spots, protected from harsh winds by structures or dense vegetation, create microclimates with reduced wind chill and increased humidity. These areas are excellent for delicate plants that might struggle in exposed locations.
Water Features: Ponds, streams, or even small fountains or water features such as the one below that I designed for a project in Alderley Edge in Cheshire can moderate temperatures, creating microclimates that are cooler and more humid. Consider this when selecting plants that prefer moist, cooler conditions.
Urban Heat Islands: Gardens located in urban areas often experience higher temperatures due to the heat absorbed and radiated by buildings, pavement, and other infrastructure. These microclimates can support heat-loving plants that might not thrive in rural settings.
Utilising Microclimates in Garden Design
Now that you can spot
microclimates, how can you use this knowledge to enhance your garden designs?
Diversify Plant Selection: Don't limit yourself to plants deemed suitable for your UK hardiness zone. Instead, consider the microclimates within your garden and choose plants that will thrive in each specific area. This allows for greater diversity and visual interest in your designs.
Extend Growing Seasons: Microclimates can create pockets of warmth, allowing you to grow plants that wouldn't typically survive in your climate. By strategically placing cold-sensitive plants in these warm microclimates and providing winter protection, when necessary, you can extend the growing season and enjoy a wider range of species in your garden.
Create Comfortable Outdoor Spaces: Understanding microclimates can also enhance the usability of outdoor living areas. By designing seating areas in sheltered, sunny spots or incorporating cooling features like water features, you can ensure that your clients can enjoy their gardens year-round, regardless of the weather.
Mitigate Risks: While microclimates offer exciting opportunities, they also pose risks. Be mindful of microclimates that might be too extreme for certain plants or prone to frost pockets. Understanding the nuances of microclimates allows you to mitigate these risks and create resilient, sustainable gardens.
In conclusion, for me as a garden
designer embracing microclimates is key to unlocking the full potential of my
garden designs. By recognising these small-scale climatic variations and
designing with them in mind, I can create gardens that are not only beautiful
but also thriving, resilient ecosystems that enchant and inspire for years to
come…… Want to know more? Use this link to
contact DK Garden Design today.