Search all WA Government Sites Print this page	Gardens can provide significant climate modification effects, so designing your garden carefully can improve your home's comfort levels. Deciduous trees or vines which provide shade in summer but allow the winter sun to shine through when their leaves have dropped are an effective, simple option. Deciduous creepers can keep west facing walls cool on hot summer afternoons. Shrubs or trees to the south can be placed to direct south-westerly sea breezes into and through your home. Plantings to the west and north-west can shield your home from winter storms, but avoid close plantings which could cause damage. Unshaded paving to the north, east and west of your home should be avoided as it can cause heat to be reflected into windows during summer. Lawns and other ground covers will help reduce this problem. South facing courtyards with moist cool ferneries will also assist summer cooling. The diagram below indicates wind patterns for the Perth region. You should investigate the 'wind regime' particular to your location, to make the most of desirable cooling summer breezes, or to reduce the impact of hot summer or gusty winter winds.
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