Climate & Site Selection

Aug 20

2 min read

Explore the work of people investigating, documenting and teaching about plants, ecosystems and environmental change.

Shanti Plants - The Earth Provides

Natural South East Queensland garden on a gentle slope, with bright sun and dappled shade beneath mature trees. Dry upper ground supports drought-tolerant plants, while sheltered areas contain denser greenery and a stone-lined lower swale holds more moisture-loving vegetation, illustrating distinct microclimates across the landscape. — A gently sloping South East Queensland garden demonstrates how different microclimates can occur within one landscape, from dry, sun-exposed upper ground to sheltered shade and a lower moisture-retaining swale, with healthy plants suited to each condition.

Plant selection begins with place. Regional climate describes broad patterns, while each site also has local differences created by slope, aspect, buildings, canopy, wind, drainage, reflected heat, cold-air movement and soil. A suitable site meets the plant's limits often enough for it to establish and function.

What This Index Covers

This index covers climate data, rainfall and seasonality, temperature and frost, heat, humidity, solar exposure, wind, slope and aspect, drainage, water availability, soil constraints, microclimates, hazards and matching plants to a site. It distinguishes long-term climate from short-term weather.

Browse Resources

Browse the resource areas currently organised under this index. Links can be added as reviewed articles and records are published.

Regional climate - Using long-term rainfall and temperature patterns as a starting point.

Sun and shade - Observing seasonal light duration, intensity and reflected heat.

Water and drainage - Following runoff, infiltration, wet spots and available irrigation.

Wind and exposure - Considering desiccation, salt, turbulence and structural risk.

Soil and landform - Linking depth, texture, slope and constraints to root growth.

Microclimates - Mapping sheltered, hot, cold, damp and dry pockets.

Read First

Before using these resources for identification, growing, harvesting, conservation, community work or other practical decisions, read:

Use Long-Term Climate Data, Not One Season

Map Sun, Water, Wind and Soil Before Planting

Climate Suitability Does Not Override Weed or Biosecurity Risk

Coverage and Evidence

Climate zones are broad guides, not guarantees. Use local observations and nearby weather-station data, and consider recent extremes and projected change where long-lived plantings are planned. Evaluate the species' invasive potential, mature size, roots, fire behaviour and legal status as well as its ability to survive.

The Earth's Resource Map and Learn library are being built progressively. Indexed means that a topic or resource can be connected to its identity, source and broad context; it does not mean that every claim has been verified or localised. Evidence is assessed claim by claim. Where information is missing, uncertain, restricted or location-dependent, that limitation should remain visible.

Last Reviewed

19 August 2026

This date records review of this index-page copy and its resource structure. Individual articles, records, laws, project details and evidence may have different publication and review dates.