Different Types of Micro Climates to Create in the Garden

Have you ever wondered how some gardens seem to have plants thriving in every nook and cranny, while others struggle to maintain even the hardiest species? The secret may lie in the clever use of microclimates. A microclimate is a small area within your garden where the conditions vary from the general climate.

Understanding these microclimates and learning how to create them can transform your garden into a thriving, diverse ecosystem. In this article, we explore how you can create your own.

Understanding Microclimates

The Science Behind Microclimates

Microclimates are influenced by a variety of factors including sunlight, wind exposure, and moisture levels. For instance, a wall on the south side of your house will receive less sunlight than a wall on the north side, creating a cooler, shadier microclimate. Similarly, a spot shielded from the wind may be warmer than an exposed area.

These factors can be manipulated to create a range of conditions. Planting a tree, for example, can provide shade and reduce temperatures underneath its canopy. Likewise, installing a wind-diffusing fence can tame prevailing winds, creating a warmer and calmer microclimate on its leeward side.

Benefits of Creating Your Own Microclimates

Creating microclimates can bring a host of benefits to your garden’s ecosystem. It allows you to grow a wider variety of plants, some of which may not typically survive in your area’s overall climate. Additionally, different microclimates can attract a range of beneficial microbes, insects, and other fauna, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity.

For example, ferns such as Cyathea cooperi (Australian tree fern) thrive in shady, moist microclimates, while succulents such as Echeveria spp., prefer sunny, dry conditions. By creating these microclimates, you can enjoy a diverse range of plants in your garden, even though the surrounding climate is identical outside these micro climates.

Tools for Creating Microclimates

Using Structures to Create Microclimates

Structures like walls, fences, and greenhouses can have a significant impact on microclimates. A tall fence or wall can provide shade, block wind, and reflect heat, creating a cooler microclimate on the other side. Conversely, a greenhouse traps heat and humidity, making it ideal for plants that prefer tropical conditions.

The key is to position these structures strategically. For instance, placing a greenhouse in a sunny spot maximises its heat retention, while a shade cloth can be used on the western side of your garden to protect plants from the harsh afternoon sun.

Planting for Microclimates

The arrangement of your plants can also create different microclimates. Tall trees and shrubs can provide shade for understory plants, while ground cover plants can help retain soil moisture.

For example, a combination of Waterhousea floribunda (weeping lilly pilly) for shade, with understory plants like Dianella caerulea (blue flax lily) and a ground cover such as Scaevola spp. (fan flowers), can create a cool, moist microclimate.

Water Features and Microclimates

Water features can significantly alter your garden’s microclimate. A pond or fountain can cool the surrounding air and increase humidity, providing a perfect spot for moisture-loving plants.

When installing a water feature, consider its size and location. A large pond in a sunny spot will evaporate quickly and may heat up, potentially harming aquatic life. On the other hand, a small fountain in a shady corner can provide a cool retreat for both plants and wildlife. Regular maintenance, including topping up water levels and removing debris, will ensure your water feature continues to enhance your garden’s microclimate.

Crafting the Perfect Growing Environment

Let’s delve into some of the ways to create the microclimates you need to grow the plants you low.

Warm Microclimates

Cold climates can make it challenging for some plants to survive. To warm up a microclimate, consider using structures like walls or fences to reflect sunlight and retain heat on the sunny side. Windows and mirrors can do an even better job of reflecting heat in a space, but just be careful that the reflected light isn’t burning your plants.

Mulching can also help by insulating the soil, keeping plant roots warmer. Green houses are possibly the most effective and efficient micro climates for warm temperature-loving plants.

Cool Microclimates

Hot climates can be tough for other plants. To cool down a microclimate, provide shade using taller plants or other screening. Increasing vegetation can also help by reducing reflected heat and increasing moisture levels in the air. If plants can withstand wind, consider creating a wind tunnel to cool the air down.

Humid Microclimates

Some plants thrive in humid conditions. To increase humidity, consider installing water features like ponds or fountains. Regular watering and grouping plants closely together can also help maintain high humidity.

Dry Microclimates

Conversely, some plants prefer dry air. To create a drier microclimate, choose a sunny, well-ventilated spot. Use gravel or stone mulch to reduce soil moisture and consider protecting plants from excessive rainfall. Amend soil to improve drainage, and promote wind to help evaporate moisture effectively.

Shaded Microclimates

Too much sun can be detrimental for some plants. To create a shaded microclimate, use tall trees or structures like pergolas and greenhouses. Consider whether your plants want part sun (at least 4-6 hours of direct sun), dappled sun (the type of sunlight you get under a tree all day), light shade (a few hours of shade per day) or heavy shade.

Extra Light Microclimates

Shade can make it difficult for some plants to survive. To increase sunlight, trim overhanging branches and remove other sources of shade. Reflective surfaces can also help to increase light levels.

Wind Sheltered Microclimates

Excessive wind can be damaging for some plants. To screen wind, use structures like walls, fences, or hedgerows. Choosing plants that are naturally wind-tolerant can also help.

Understand that solid walls can actually increase wind, because the wind hits the wall, and bounces over it with even more force than it had before. Plants and walls that have holes diffuse the wind, rather than fighting with it, and have a tangible effect on slowing the wind down within the microclimate.

Wind Tunnel Microclimates

Some plants thrive in windy conditions as it can strengthen their stems and create a beautiful visual effect. It can also dry an area out, and make plants dance around which is a visual and auditory delight. To create a wind tunnel, strategically place structures and plants to channel the wind in a particular direction. You need to work with the prevailing wind direction, rather than against it.

Drainage in Microclimates

Drainage requirements vary between plants. Some prefer well-drained soil, while others prefer more moisture-retentive conditions. To increase drainage, consider incorporating organic matter, soil wetters and/or gypsum into the soil. To improve water retention, use a quality hydrogel, kaolin clay, organic matter and/or mulch to slow down drainage and evaporation.

Maintaining Your Microclimates

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments

Monitor your microclimates regularly and adjust as required. Keep an eye out for common challenges like pests and diseases. If you notice a plant struggling, consider moving it to a more suitable microclimate or amending the microclimate itself.

Seasonal Changes and Microclimates

Seasonal changes can impact your microclimates. For example, deciduous trees can provide shade in summer but allow sunlight through in winter. Use these factors to your advantage to ensure plants continue to thrive.

Daniel’s Wrap

Creating and maintaining microclimates can transform your garden into a thriving ecosystem that supports a diverse range of plants. It might require some experimentation, but the rewards are worth it. So go ahead, start crafting your own microclimates and watch your garden flourish.