Gales talk
shelter for plants. High ground, trees, hedges, fences or buildings can all be used for this.
The idea is not to stop wind altogether with a solid surface, but to reduce the strength to about 50 per cent through a semi-permeable surface – and planting trees or dense shrubs are great for this.
Some plants have natural protection against winds and can also provide cover from any tender growth nearby.
For this, you need to find plants that are strong-rooted so go for beech, laurel, hornbeam, or privet.
Bushy, dense foliage like this will create a defensive screen – and it’s good for nesting birds too.
Any damage to structures will be worsened in windy weather. A cracked glass pane in the greenhouse can break and cause damage so it’s best to get these taped, covered or replaced.
Check felt on the shed roof. Sometimes all it takes is one or two more tacks to keep it in place rather than having to replace the lot.
Newly-planted plants, especially roses, are susceptible to rocking back and forth in the wind. This causes damage to the new root systems and can slowly wiggle them out of place. When planting, firm them in well and use small bamboo stakes pushed through the rootball into the ground to keep them braced and stuck in place.
Hanging baskets are prone to swinging and this can uproot the contents of the basket, causing damage to the plants.
Double-check that these are secured or taken down in turbulent weather, especially if they’re situated near a window where they could swing right into the glass and damage it.
Any coverings should be tied down to stop them bellowing in the wind. You might have horticultural fleece for frost protection, a BBQ cover or wrappings for garden furniture that need a few more pieces of garden twine to attach it in place. Alternatively, use bricks to weigh down surfaces.
Don’t let your garden take a beating during the windy season. Follow these tips and your plants will be in top condition when the wind howls.
Keep an eye on the temperature in your garden and be better prepared to respond to highs (and lows) with this sturdy outdoor thermometer from John Lewis. With easy-to-read numbers in both Fahrenheit and Centigrade, it also comes with a handy keyhole hook on the reverse for hanging. An ideal gift for any gardening enthusiast, it also looks the part in the conservatory or hall. I found it for £26 online at