Tasmania has distinct regional variations in natural environment, partly due to local topography and partly a result of historical factors. Being an island much of the climate would be termed "coastal maritime" . The island is especially subject to the forces generated by Antarctica - cold winds and large sea swells being characteristic. This predominantly affects the southern and western coasts , where there have been innumerable shipwrecks. The prevailing forces of nature then tend to become partly neutralised by ridges of mountains up to 5000 or so feet. The south west is a true uninhabited wilderness area , rainy and cold for much of the year. between the mountains , large tracts of button grass plains represent the end result over thousands of years of  repeated firings by aboriginal tribes - they lit fires to corral native animals to make them easier to hunt. No doubt also , many small fires (cooking , warmth) escaped control , plus lightning also starts fires especially in the summer months.

In the central highlands there are hundreds of lakes and tarns (small lakes/ponds). This reflects the heavy rainfall as moisture laden winds hit the mountains. This area is a world renowned trout fishing mecca. Many Tasmanians pursue this sport , and at a basic level it is very cheap to do so. Of course , fat-walleted folk fly in for the fully guided whisky-soaked experience , paying $1-2K a night...

The north-west of the state boasts  rainforest and fertile soils - the latter responsible for significant cool-climate vegetable , poppy and grape growing industries.

The east and south-east tend towards dryness , and are considerably warmer than the other areas. Hobart rather surprisingly is the second driest capital in Australia. The east coast proper is subject to significant ongoing drought conditions.

Where I live is influenced by unique weather patterns associated with Mt Wellington , coastal sea breezes in summer ( the river becomes a sea approximately 1 mile east of us) and the fact that I live on a generally rocky hillside at 600 feet altitude. In this location the vegetation is termed "dry sclerophyll ". This means trees and plants are adapted to dry conditions, and indeed thrive by virtue of leathery evergreen leaves and shallow surface roots which suck every last drop of moisture from the ground. Eucalypts (gum trees) predominate with an understorey of wattles , blackwood, she-oak (casuarina) , prickly box and other species. Almost all are highly flammable and bushfires are a constant threat from December to late February. In particular each summer hot northerly winds generated on mainland Australia hit Tasmania and create conditions of extreme fire risk. Many fires are lit deliberately or "accidentally" - in both cases by idiots. On January 18th , 1998 a devastating fire started on the ridge in the foreground and within a couple of hours had swept past consuming everything , including a house down the road and all the power poles. It reached 38 Celsius (100F) and winds were strong and gusty.  The front went through in about 30 minutes and I spent a good 11-12 hours mopping upo vernight (night started when the sky went dark at 6 pm) It was a lesson to all to be prepared year in year out - and the business of fire hazard risk reduction is a year round sport. Such is life , but a little harshness is good.

The local vegetation is such that even on a rainy day in mid winter I have been able to burn freshly cut small bushes and trees. You might wonder why I choose to live here. Well the bad days are relatively few and the magical moments are many.

One other thing - we get most rain and wind during the change of seasons from summer to autumn and winter to spring. Winter itself can be quite mild - bright still sunny days when no more than a T shirt will keep you warm. The sea water tends to run a bit cold though.

As far as gardening goes - it is risky growing native plants close to the house. But on the other hand , growing exotics can prove difficult without providing wind protection and greatly improving the thin , dry , phosphate deficient soil. Plants from South Africa e.g. proteas do well , but unfortunately are also highly flammable. In our garden we strike a balance. Next time there is a fire no doubt some parts will be damaged. Year round measures and fire-season vigilance should minimise the losses.

Perhaps we should plant a high cactus hedge around the house ;<)