We started the garden in 1988 but with many changes over the years.We are at 450 ft above sea level - 2/3rds of the way down a SE facing slope. The back garden is 200ft long & about 35ft wide. We have had heavy falls of snow over the years several of 30 cms but less heavy in recent years but still often 8-15cms. Lowest recorded temperature was -11C in 1996 but in most winters the minimum is -5C to -7C. Late & early frosts are generally not a problem as we have good air drainage.