Garden layout

In this sticky climate where breezes are at a premium, vegetation does not have the overwhelming benefits for comfort that it has in a hot dry climate. Shelter from dust-storms is not needed, shade, though still desirable, is not quite so important in this climate's cloudy summer and the natural evaporative cooling effect of plants is limited by the damp atmosphere. The wind-sheltering effect of trees is definitely not a plus in this climate. On the other hand, paved areas absorb and store the sun's heat, making them undesirable next to your house. Most people will want vegetation around their house, - it looks good, the birds need it and it provides shade. One approach is to use small plants on the side of the house from which the summer breezes approach (see wind-rose chart ), and to make sure that plants don't impede the flow of air through windows. A tree with a dense high canopy which will shade the roof without blocking breezes at window level is also a good idea.

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