Each garden has its own ecosystem, divided into several zones that may or may not be of interest for planting shrubs. It is important to know where to plant them to ensure optimal success.
The microclimates of the garden
Each garden has its own specificities. Exposure, climate and soil type will help you determine the ideal location to plant your shrubs.
1- Exposure
With a southern exposure, the garden will be able to accommodate most flowering shrubs or variegated foliage because, contrary to what one might imagine, this exposure is not the most delicate, except in very hot and dry regions where the choice of plants should be made accordingly. An eastern exposure poses a little more concern, because the morning sun after a frost can cause the plants' tissues to burst. The prevailing winds also often come from the East, drying out the plants, breaking branches and inducing more evaporation. A western exposure will avoid the phenomenon of burning after the frost, the shrubs will be subjected to the afternoon sun and will have less direct contact with the wind. In the North, the cold and humidity are more important, so hardy shrubs should be planted there, which can tolerate little sunlight.
2- Climate
Each region, or even micro-region, has its own climate, well beyond the specificities between the North and the South. However, in the North and in mountainous regions, it is wise to plant shrubs adapted to cold and humidity. Avoid non-hardy subjects, of Mediterranean or tropical origin, which would have a hard time establishing themselves.
Rainfall is another important factor. Some regions are subject to regular and very frequent rainfall. Shrubs should be chosen with this in mind. As for snow, it can be a good winter protection against the cold, but in regions where it is abundant, you should preferably choose hardy shrubs with branches that are flexible or strong enough not to break under its weight.
In very hot regions where the summer is very dry and the winter mild, you can introduce more chilly subjects that appreciate this type of conditions and are resistant to drought in order to avoid continuous watering.
Regions subject to thick and frequent fog but where the temperature is mild will appeal to many shrubs because the dew that settles down facilitates gas exchanges and of course increases the hygrometry rate. On the other hand, the most fragile ones are likely to be sensitive to cryptogamic diseases.
3- The nature of the soil
Acid, fertile limestone, poor or balanced, the soil of your land will partly determine the choice of your shrubs. There is no point in trying to grow calcifugic plants that require fresh soil, such as rhododendrons or camellias in the garrigue of Marseille! You will be faced with disappointment. Always choose your shrubs according to their specific needs.
