Microclimates
This section will help you identify and understand microclimates
What is a Microclimate?
A microclimate is a localised condition E.g., the area underneath a large tree with a thick canopy or inside a fernery. They can differ slightly to the general climate of the area or significantly. They can also be small like part of a garden or large into the kilometres.
Microclimates can exist naturally, or you may wish to create them within your garden to increase the palette of plants you can use, or to make the space more habitable. Understanding the microclimates that exist on your site will help you choose plants specific to the space and increase the chance of success.
Examples
Water tanks
Water tanks can use their thermal mass to store heat as the sun shines on them through the day and release this heat overnight as the sun goes down. This can help some plants fruit that wouldn’t normally or protect the plant from conditions that are too cold.
Low Point
Low points often have frost sit in them. Vegetation will reduce this. You may also find wetter soil at this point then the surrounding area.
Under a Tree
A large deciduous tree can provide greatly reduced temperature compared to the areas around it. The microclimate will change throughout the year as the leaves fall.
Coastline
Being near the water helps to reduce the high contrasts in temperatures
Wind Break
A windbreak can reduce the gusts within a property. Have a multi layered vegetation break can also project wind up and over your space.
Brick walls
Brick walls have thermal mass like water so we can use this as opportunity to release heat overnight.
South Side of a House
In the southern hemisphere the south side of the house is generally in the shade the majority of the year. The sun can sneak around at the end of the day in the hot months so care needs to be taken in plant choices for this area.
Bog
Depressions will invariably fill with water in heavier soils. They may be ephemeral so you might need to use plants that can’t cope with immersion in water and dry patches.
Dry spots
Dry spots will occur underneath the eaves of buildings and also under trees with canopies that push the water to the outside of their canopy. These spots can be challenging to keep plants happy.
Session Outline
What is a microclimate?
Examples of microclimates
Presentations
Resources
Definitions
Microclimates - A microclimate is a localised condition E.g. the area underneath a large tree with a thick canopy or inside a fernery. They can differ slightly to the general climate of the area or significantly. They can also be small like part of a garden or large into the kilometre
Thermal Mass - Some materials readily store heat energy. When a material has a high thermal mass a lot of energy is needed to change the temperature of the material. It will then take time for this energy to be released again. This property can be used to your advantage for storing and releasing heat.