Microclimate

A physical area with a set of conditions different from those in the surrounding area. A very local or small scale climate such as valley or woodland.

The variations of the climate within this area, are usually influenced by hills, hollows, structures or proximity to bodies of water (i.e. when it's raining at your house, and the sun is shining on the other side of the street). Gardeners should be aware that most yards provide a variety of environments for growing plants. A southern exposure has sun all day. A northern exposure may get no direct sun at all. Eastern exposures tend to provide shelter from the hottest rays of the sun. All these factors affect the warmth and humidity of the air in close proximity to a plant.