Country

Finland: 3 ecoregions. Each with its climate now and toward 2050, and its conservation tier.

Boreal forest is Finland's default condition. The Scandinavian and Russian taiga covers most of the country, spruce-pine-birch forest on a landscape of lakes and peatland; the Sarmatic mixed forests bring temperate broadleaf character to the southern coast; and in the far northwest the Scandinavian Montane Birch forest and grasslands, classed with the tundra biome, mark the transition to treeless fell country. Three ecoregions, one clean gradient. Gardening follows it: the south supports the widest palette, hardwoods, orchard fruit, and perennials that tolerate long winters, while the interior and north are conifer-and-birch country where cold-hardiness and a short, bright growing season govern every choice. Snow cover is an asset, insulating perennials through the coldest months.