How Do Bodies of Water Create Microclimates? 

We posted recently about the role of microclimates in commercial landscape architecture, but did you know that bodies of water create microclimates? In fact, they have a major influence on the way a landscape organically functions. Today, we’re going to cover the ins and outs of how it happens, so you can better understand one part of your landscape architect’s perspective for your property.  What Are Microclimates?  First, let’s recap with some insights from our previous post on the subject … Merriam-Webster defines a microclimate as “the essentially uniform local climate of a usually small site or habitat.”  In terms of commercial landscaping, you can think of it like this: Outside of a children’s hospital, there is a small park. It contains a bench with trees that provide shade right above it, a patch of flowers next to a stretch of green space to play or picnic, and a swing set at one end. This park is surrounded by concrete—sidewalks and pathways leading back into the building or out to the parking lot—and the soil was disrupted extensively during construction of the complex. On top of all that, its variances in shade and sun exposure will impact plantings, as will […]