Garden and Climate 

The British people never cease to complain about the climate, but it is the finest in the world for growing the greatest variety of plants. At least one member of every single family of plants can be grown in British gardens, and few other countries (if any) have the climate to create gardens of the same richness of variety. Never­theless, the success with which various species grow in any individual garden will depend upon the local climate, and this may vary quite considerably from that of the country as a whole. The most important factor is the latitude - the further south, the earlier the flowering or cropping season for any species. The season in the south of Britain is at least a fortnight earlier than that in the north and, because of the colder conditions, the onset of winter and the autumnal frost is a fortnight or so earlier in the north than in the south.   

However, the effects of the Gulf Stream can have an even more pronounced effect than the latitude, and the warm waters bathing the south-west coast yield a climate that is far milder than would be anticipated from its geographical position alone. This area also receives an above-average rainfall. All this tends to make for sub-tropical conditions and, providing the minimum amount of winter protection is provided, it is possible to grow subjects such as palms in the open in coastal towns. Such plants are usually only used by the municipal authorities, because of their size and the expense and expertise involved. 

So, growth is far plusher in the gardens of the south-west as compared with the rest of the country. The position and aspect of any one garden, however, will create its own micro­climate which may either magnify or diminish the factors which together produce the local climate. In a particular garden there will be exposed positions, sheltered positions, positions in the shade, or on a south-facing wall which will receive extra sunlight. All of these factors will contribute to produce a variety of different micro-climates and growing conditions in different parts of the garden. In order to make the garden fulfill its potential, it is necessary to appreciate the various climatic factors from the outset, and these must be taken into account when designing the garden. 

Sunshine 

The amount of sunshine falling upon any part of the garden will depend upon its aspect - that is, its position in relation to the points of the compass. The first fact that must be appreciated by anyone seeking to design a garden is that every plot has a north-, east-, south- and west-facing aspect, and that each cardinal point should be considered as a separate entity within the overall plan. Should the four sides of the garden not correspond exactly to the points of the compass, treat each side as though it were in the position of the nearest point. The south-facing side, the most exposed part of which is at the north of the garden, will receive extra warmth and light. A brick wall facing south will absorb the radiant heat during the daytime and, when the ambient temperature drops, it will release this extra warmth, acting as a natural storage heater. 

These factors mean that the position will be favorable to more delicate subjects, that other­wise would not prosper, and are often not thought of as plants that can be grown in Britain as well as in their natural tropical home. Do not be frightened to tackle the more exotic subjects, such as nectarines, which will provide flowers in the spring (autumnal gold in the autumn), to­gether with fruits of a quality that no greengrocer can match with his imports.  

Conversely, the northern side will receive far less of the sun's warmth and, more importantly, light (a far more significant factor in the plant's growth). This means that only shade-loving plants, of which there are a great many, should be grown on this part of the plot. Light-colored sandy soils will be much colder than dark soils that are rich in humus - the former will reflect much of the radiant heat from the sun, and will be less able to retain the heat that it receives. Consequently, they are more susceptible to frosts and the growing season is correspondingly reduced.