As
we said in an earlier section, one of the factors of
vital importance to plant growth is light. Of course in
our home landscapes, this light is going to come from
the sun. So, it is important to determine the path of
the sun as it crosses over our landscapes. This will
help us to predict where those full sun plants (MINIMUM
of 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight) will do their
best. We can also predict where overhanging trees and
other obstructions will cast shade during parts our all
of the day. This will help us determine the best place
for those shade tolerant (not shade LOVING)
plants.
Also, some tender plants, especially many broadleaf
evergreens may be damaged if exposed to the south or
southwest where, even in winter, the intensity of the
sunlight may be too high for them. Although it might be
cold at that time, the sun on the broadleaves will cause
them to lose water which cannot be restored from the
frozen root systems below. In the extreme, these
conditions may cause leaves and even some stems to die
from desiccation i.e. dehydration.
