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GARDENING BY THE SEA | download printable version The greatest challenge to gardening by the sea are the problems caused by salt-carrying gales and high winds. These difficult conditions make it difficult to establish trees and shrubs, but once established the coastal garden offers a bonus: it's possible to grow a great number of plants considered too tender for inland regions. Some of the most interesting and dramatic gardens are to be found by the sea. The most obvious effect from wind is structural damage. Foliage and shoots can be injured by rubbing against each other or from dust or sand abrasion, or may be torn off altogether. Growth buds and newly emerged spring foliage ars particularly vulnerable. A Force-7(about 56kph/35mph) can set whole trees in motion and rip off twigs, while more widespread damage is caused by winds of Force-10 and 11 (about 95kph/60mph and Storm Force (117kph/73mph) with major bough breakage and trees uprooted. Wind also has a physiological effect on plant metabolism. Photosynthesis and respiration depend on a free exchange of gasses throughout stomata (tiny valves on leaf's surface). These are usually open during the day and close at night, they may also close during periods of stress, such as high temperatures or water shortages. Strong winds can cause exessive water loss leading to stomatal closure, which limits carbon dioxide uptake |
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