Determining Microclimates

Your site will vary due to microclimates, weather patterns and growing conditions. Typical microclimates include:

• open, exposed to sun and wind
• sunny/sheltered
• canopied (dappled sunlight), deep shade

The best plants suited to your area are the natives. Take a look around. Native plants have fewer pest problems and are easier to grow and use less water.

• Plants in open areas exposed to lots of sun and wind generally have small leaves and flowers, an adaptation that often allows them to escape leaf burn. Perennials include Penstemon, Flax, Asters, Gaillardia, Yarrow,  Nepeta, Thyme.
  
  
• Plants in sunny but wind sheltered areas generally can be one zone warmer than listed. Perennials include  Coneflower, Mexican Evening Primrose, Coreopsis, Salvia,  Oriental Poppy, Delphinium, Shasta Daisy.
  
  
• Plants in shady and canopied areas (overhead trees providing dappled shade) like extra moisture and compost-enriched soil. Perennials include Columbine,  Penstemon, Daffodils (and other shade loving bulbs) and groundcovers like  Vinca,  and Veronica. Remember to keep these plants mulched  to add organic matter to the soil and retain even soil moisture.