alter microclimate in Permaculture Community Garden?

I am part of a community garden in Bozeman. Most members are used to, if not passionate about, modern gardening techniques, although tolerant of permaculture designs that have been introduced into the garden in the past season or two. Having just joined, I am taking over the vacating permie's position. Our garden is a trap for cold air coming off the mountains from the east, which is counter to the prevailing wind patterns of the valley. Currently, the east side of the garden is open to the residential street. It is surrounded by a cyclone fence which keeps out deer, and in the southeastern corner, there are two rows of pine trees with lower limbs trimmed. What would you (as in Geoff L. or any other contributing member of the forum) suggest as the best feature to adjust the micro-climate in the most favorable way? I must consider cost, labor intensity, and gradual introduction of radical design ideas.
Thanks for the input!
renaissancewoman

If your prevailing winds are from the EAST, I would definately put in a fast growing windbreak from your sw evergreens north to the edge of your garden and possibly around the corner to protect it from wind tunnel effect..possibly Jerusalem Artichokes as they grow very fast and very tall. I would also put some lower growing fruiting bushes under the southeastern evergreens where the bare branches are..i like things like black raspberries, but plant what you eat the most..if the soil is acid there and lots of pine needles..you might like highbush cranberries.