When you’re planning your backyard, it will be useful to determine your regional figures for yearly rainfall, sunshine hours and temperatures, as well as details of any specific climatic influences, such as frost pockets. Climatic variations can be considerable across the country, and will depend on latitude, elevation and a number of other local factors. Several areas have their own local climate, often with substantial departures from the norm. Variations can incorporate conditions like the previously mentioned ‘frost-pockets’, where frost, moving down a hillside, gathers in a dip or ‘pocket’ at the bottom of the slope.

The geographical location can also make a big difference: for instance, hilltop sites over 150-200 m (480-640 ft) above sea-level may be several degrees cooler than nearby low-lying locations, creating a later growing period. Whilst coastal gardens are at risk of salt-laden winds, the moderating impact of the ocean means that temperatures are less severe than inland. Town gardens are usually more sheltered and warmer all year round than those in non-urban spots.

Additionally, the microclimate should be considered: note which way your garden faces and which parts receive most shade and sunlight at different times of day and from one season to the next. As an example, the shade cast by a deciduous tree is more dense at the end of springtime and summer than during the rest of the year.

Some corners of the back garden might be sheltered, whilst others could be exposed and require screening if they are to be used completely, depending on the force and direction of the wind. There might be damp and dry areas, or perhaps a cold spot caused by a dense hedge or building preventing the cooler air from draining off to a lower level. None of these difficulties are inherently negative, but they will affect which plants will flourish. Try to take advantage of the various microclimates that occur within the back garden itself, growing vegetation that benefit from the available conditions rather than attempting to cultivate species which are unsuitable.

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