Landscaping Around the World: Iceland

By: Rosalie Merriner

Welcome back to our monthly series, Landscaping Around the World! Today, we are taking a closer look at the landscaping of Iceland. Iceland is home to more than 130 volcanoes, the largest glacier in Europe, and the world's largest puffin population. The country is unique in many ways, and those unique characteristics are reflected in its landscaping styles. Today, we are exploring one of Iceland's most practical and fascinating landscape features: sheltered gardens.

Why a Sheltered Garden?

In Iceland, wind is not an "if" but a "when." Similar to Northern Nevada, wind gusts can pick up suddenly and intensify in a short period of time. Average daily wind speeds range from 10 to 15 mph, and during winter storms, gusts can easily exceed 100 mph.

Sheltered gardens are not created solely for aesthetics—they are a necessity. Iceland's climate presents a variety of challenges for gardeners, including strong winds, cool temperatures, and a relatively short growing season. By creating protected spaces, homeowners can shield plants from harsh conditions, reduce stress on vegetation, and extend the growing season.

All About Protection

Because of the constant wind, protection is a key element of Icelandic garden design. This protection comes in the form of windbreaks, which must be both sturdy and strategically placed. There are several ways to create an effective windbreak:

• Hedges and Dense Shrubs: These help filter the wind rather than completely block it, reducing its intensity while still allowing airflow.

• Trees: Trees are excellent for creating layered wind protection, especially when combined with shrubs and hedges.

• Fences: When properly designed and installed, fences can provide a strong barrier against powerful gusts.

• Stone Walls: Perhaps the most iconic windbreak in Iceland, stone walls have been used for centuries and remain one of the most effective methods of protection.

At Antonucci Lawn and Garden, we are very familiar with the effects of wind and weather-related damage. Our designers carefully consider the conditions of your property to create landscapes that can withstand the elements while remaining beautiful and functional.

Microclimates

One of the greatest benefits of sheltered gardens is their ability to create microclimates. A microclimate is a small area within a landscape where environmental conditions differ from the surrounding space. By reducing wind exposure and capturing heat from the sun, sheltered gardens often stay slightly warmer than nearby open areas.

Stone walls, fences, and strategically placed plantings can help create these protected pockets. These warmer, calmer spaces allow gardeners to grow a wider variety of plants and can help vegetation establish more successfully. Microclimates also improve soil moisture retention by reducing the drying effects of wind, making them beneficial for both plant health and water conservation. For homeowners in Northern Nevada, creating microclimates can be an effective way to protect landscapes from strong winds, temperature fluctuations, and dry conditions while improving the overall success of plantings.

Conclusion

Iceland's sheltered gardens are a perfect example of working with nature rather than against it. Faced with strong winds, cool temperatures, and a short growing season, Icelandic homeowners have developed practical landscaping solutions that protect plants and create comfortable outdoor spaces. While Northern Nevada and Iceland may seem worlds apart, both regions face environmental challenges that require thoughtful landscape design. Incorporating windbreaks, creating microclimates, and strategically placing hardscape elements can make a significant difference in the health and longevity of your landscape. Whether you're designing a new yard or improving an existing one, taking inspiration from Iceland's sheltered gardens can help you create an outdoor space that is both resilient and beautiful, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.