Creating Micro-Climates
The best way to create a microclimate in your garden is to put the largest plants in the ground first, and let them settle in.
Shrubs can be planted next, followed by small plants, and ground cover.
Trees create a microclimate beneath their branches. In Summer the ground will be shaded, so will usually stay a little more moist than the surrounding area. This is also helped by the transpiration of the tree.
In Winter, the area around a tree could be a few degrees warmer than the open area surrounding it, which will help protect the plants growing around it. Trees are also great for wind shelter.
There will be areas in your garden which are sheltered by the house, garage, etc., and areas which are exposed to full sun. Get to know these and use these microclimates to choose the plants you'll use in these areas.
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