Ever wondered how you can transform the toughest spots in your garden into thriving havens of plant life?

Welcome to an exploration of micro climates, a game-changer for New Zealand gardeners and landscape designers struggling to grow in harsh conditions. This article will guide you through the concept of micro climates, distinct areas with specific climatic conditions that differ from the surrounding general climate. Discover why creating these unique micro climates can significantly enhance plant growth and garden productivity.

We’ll tackle tough growing conditions such as extreme temperatures, poor soil quality, water scarcity, and wind exposure, offering practical solutions to improve each one. The essential gardening principle of “right plant, right place” will be explained, ensuring your garden’s success by matching plants with their ideal environments. Finally, delve into how garden ecology and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) contribute to maintaining healthy and sustainable micro climates.

Liriopes are known for being able to tolerate a wide range of sunlight conditions. Here they’re in heavy shade, but they can also be planted in full sun. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/#liriope

What is a Micro Climate?

A micro climate refers to the climate of a small, specific area that may differ from the surrounding general climate. This can be as small as a garden bed or as large as a neighbourhood. Factors such as sunlight, wind, moisture, and temperature can vary significantly within a micro climate, creating unique growing conditions. Unlike the general climate, which provides a broad overview of weather patterns in a larger region, a micro climate focuses on the nuances observed in a smaller, more controlled environment.

Why Create a Distinct Micro Climate?

Gardeners and landscape designers may wish to create distinct micro climates to enhance plant growth, maximise garden productivity, and achieve specific aesthetic goals. By manipulating micro climates, we can grow plants that might not typically thrive in the general climates of New Zealand. For instance, creating a warmer, sheltered spot could support delicate subtropical plants, while a shaded, moist area might be perfect for ferns and other shade-loving plants. Additionally, micro climates can extend growing seasons, protect plants from extreme weather, and reduce water usage.

These Australian flax plants are thriving surrounded by rocks which are reflective of heat. Meanwhile, this variety can also thrive in shade. Tasred™ Dianella tasmanica ‘TR20’ PVR. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/tasred-dianella/

Tough Growing Conditions and How to Improve Them

1. Extreme Temperatures: Both excessive heat and cold can stress plants. To mitigate this, use shade cloths or protective covers, and select plant varieties that are tolerant to the local temperature ranges. Remove shade sources to increase sunlight and warmth. Beware of reflective heat sources such as rocks, glass and metal.
2. Sunlight: If you’d like to grow shade-loving plants, block the sunlight. If you’d like to grow sun-loving plants, remove sources of shade. Removing sources of shade can be more difficult than providing shade sources. You wouldn’t remove your house because it’s shading a bed – instead, embrace the existing micro climate and choose suitable plants for the shade.
3. Humidity: Strong winds can evaporate and move moisture in the air, making conditions less humid. On the other hand, sources of water evaporate and create a more humid micro climate – provided the area is sheltered from wind.
4. Frost: Depressed, low-lying areas are more prone to frost. Raise beds or provide shelter to reduce the effects of frost.
5. Aspect: North-facing slopes receive more sunlight than south-facing slopes in the southern hemisphere. It may be easier to embrace the existing slope, rather than terraforming large areas.
6. Costal: Gardens on the coast will often face harsh winds and salt sprays. This will limit your plant palette unless you provide some protection.
7. Poor Soil Quality: Free-draining sands or heavy clay soils can hinder plant growth. Improve soil quality by adding organic compost, well-rotted manure, and other soil conditioners to enhance fertility and structure. Sandy soils can become hydrophobic, so use a soil wetter in the short term and add quality water crystals when planting. On the other hand, clays can become compacted – gypsum can break it apart in the short term. Organic matter is generally helpful to most soil conditions (though it can encourage hydrophobicity in sandy soils, hence the water crystals).
8. Water Scarcity: Drought conditions can be challenging for moisture-dependent plants. Implement efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, and mulch around plants to retain soil moisture. Again, compost and water crystals are helpful here.
9. Wind Exposure: Strong winds can damage plants and dry out the soil. Create windbreaks using hedges, fences, or strategically placed trees and shrubs to protect vulnerable areas. Plants slow wind down, while hard structures like walls can actually speed the wind up.

Right Plant, Right Place

The principle of “right plant, right place” is fundamental in horticulture and landscape design. If you choose plants that are naturally suited to the specific conditions of a micro climate, you won’t have to try so hard to change the conditions. By understanding the unique requirements of each plant and matching them with the appropriate environment, you can ensure healthier growth, reduce maintenance, and improve the overall success of your garden. This approach not only conserves resources but also supports a more sustainable and resilient garden ecosystem.

This hedge provides the garden with shelter from wind. It also provides a source of shade, as well as flowers for beneficial insects such as micro wasps. Slim™ Callistemon viminalis CV01′ PVR. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/slim-callistemon/

Garden Ecology and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Create a balanced and self-sustaining environment where plants, soil, and wildlife interact harmoniously. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a key component of garden ecology, combining biological, cultural, and mechanical methods to manage pests in an environmentally friendly way.

By encouraging micro climates conducive to beneficial fungi, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds and other organisms, you’re fostering natural predators for pests. Reptiles love to hide in shrubs or ground covers, and then sun themselves on rocks or pavers. Parasitic wasps need shelter from wind, a bit of humidity, water and small flowers.

You can learn more about IPM here: https://www.ozbreed.com.au/garden-pest-control/

Conclusion

Understanding and using micro climates can significantly enhance your gardening and landscape design experience, as well as the finished design (even though a garden is never truly finished). By addressing tough growing conditions, applying the “right plant, right place” principle, and integrating garden ecology and IPM, you can create thriving, sustainable gardens that are both beautiful and productive.