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Microclimate

Microclimate is created by the aspect, amount of sun and shade in your garden, the prevailing winds and the slope.  It is affected by: buildings; walls; fences; structures; the placement of hard surfaces that may radiate extra heat; trees; shrubs; and windbreaks.

Here are a few tips to help you work with the microclimate(s) within your garden:

  • Plants that are matched with climates and the microclimates that suit them, will need less water and maintenance, grow better and suffer less stress.
  • Drought tolerant plants are a good choice for a sunny aspect.
  • Design your garden to create natural shade using trees, shrubs, windbreaks, climbing plants, pergolas and screens, so the garden will be cooler and need less water.
  • Windbreaks can help reduce your water needs. If living windbreaks are not possible, use lattice, screens, shade cloth or pergolas. Plants with tough, hard leaves or silvery leaves often tolerate wind.
  • Place higher water-use plants in garden beds at the bottom of sheltered slopes. On steep exposed slopes, use low water-use plants, including appropriate natives, succulents or other tough, waxy leafed species.
  • Contour your garden to redirect runoff from paths or driveways to where it is needed, or slope paths towards garden beds. Terracing can help prevent water wastage on sloping blocks.
  • Garden beds near paving, driveways or hard walls that radiate heat will be warmer than those near turf or out in the open, and may require additional water. To minimise this effect, choose light coloured paving (and walls) that absorb less heat. Making paved areas more permeable to allow rain to seep into soil and nearby plant roots can help save water.

More information

For more detailed information on microclimate refer to the WaterRight Gardens fact sheet on Microclimate (PDF 493 KB) or visit the WaterRight Gardens webtool External Link for Canberra to explore how much water your garden needs and the best time to apply it.