Microclimates with Macro Impact - 3 things to remember.
The power of Microclimates
I took this photo today - what a wonderful example of microclimates affecting autumn colour. Even though it is actually winter, as I write this in late June, it is 21C in Perth. The picture shows the same type of bradford pear growing on opposite sides of the same fence.
If you look at the trees in front of the steel fence, you will see that they have both yellow and green leaves but no red or orange. These Bradford pear trees usually colour up well even in our mild climate. If it's really cold at night or in the mornings, they will turn red instead of yellow or orange. Generally with autumn colour, the colder the conditions, the redder the leaves.
Now look at the remaining leaves on the taller trees behind the fence. You will see that they are largely orange or red. The reason for this may be partially to do with the fact that they are older than the ones in front, but largely it's because they are in the cold wind and as they are taller, don't have the radiant heat of the steel fence on their leaves to keep them warm.
One of our constant challenges here at Garden Deva is designing beautiful gardens around these radiant heat-producing steel fences. We completely understand the rationale behind installing these fences as they are maintenance-free, reasonably priced and long-lasting. Unfortunately in summer, the plants next to them often cook in the baking Perth heat unless they are extremely tough like oleanders or bougainvilleas.
Cladding steel fences with non-heat conducting materials such as good quality brushwood, timber or bamboo screens, or planting trees nearby to shade the plants are recommended to clients if they want an increased plant palette to screen their neighbours and fence.
So, when you are next choosing a fence for your boundary, consider timber or Slimwall (a fibre cement product that looks like brick but has none of the heat conducting qualities). Your plants will be grateful.
3 Things to Remember With Microclimates:
Creating a microclimate in Perth can help optimize growing conditions for plants and enhance your outdoor living experience. Here are three tips for creating a microclimate:
Plant Windbreaks: In Perth, strong winds can desiccate plants and increase water loss through transpiration. Planting windbreaks, such as dense shrubs or trees, along the perimeter of your garden can help reduce wind speed and create a sheltered microclimate. Choose species that are well-suited to Perth's climate and provide year-round protection.
Use Thermal Mass: Incorporate elements with high thermal mass, such as rocks or water features, into your garden design. These elements absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, helping to moderate temperature fluctuations and create a more stable microclimate. Position them strategically to provide warmth to sensitive plants during cooler periods.
Mulch and Shade: Apply mulch to garden beds to conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulch acts as an insulating layer, reducing temperature extremes and creating a microclimate conducive to plant growth. Additionally, provide shade for delicate plants during the hottest part of the day using structures like pergolas, shade sails, or strategically placed trees.
