It’s no secret that summer has been a washout, with sunny days peppering the deluge of rain. Although we’ve had some great days, those of us with gardens can’t escape the damage of flash floods. With the past few weeks’ autumn weather showing no improvement, we worry about more of the same. There are easy steps you can take to protect the plants and to prepare your garden for rain.

Looking for more ways to keep your garden looking bright and vibrant? Easily submit a free request for gardening services and get bids from top gardeners in your area!

Leaves in Water

Image Credit

1. Know What to Look For

Plants love water, but not too much. A plant that is overwatered will actually look the same as one that hasn’t had enough. Underneath the ground, though, the roots tell a different story.

If you have a plant that’s looking worse for wear, dig it up to see if it has been a victim of drowning. You’ll notice a foul smell coming from the roots which will be black in appearance. You can try to save it by trimming the roots (not the taproot) and placing it in a free-draining pot. Bring it inside when it rains until it starts to grow back.

2. Make the Most of the Mud

We may be in for more and more wet summers, turning our British Isles into a rainforest climate. The best advice for gardeners is to work with it. Unless you can afford to completely change the drainage of your garden, work with what you have.

Choose bog-loving plants for the areas that puddle the most. Move those that like free draining soil to a better spot, into raised beds or pots.

Plants

Image Credit

3. Add Free Drainage

You don’t need to be a plumber to add natural drainage to your garden. All you need is a little sand, some broken pots and gravel.

Mix them in with the soil to let water flow and make sure all pots have an exit hole. You can also make small trenches in flower beds to divert the water where you’d like it to go.

This is ideal if you want to prepare your garden for rain but don’t have a huge budget.

4. Decorate and Protect

Rain doesn’t only damage plants. It can also wreak havoc with garden ornaments, furniture and exterior woodwork.

Invest in some high-quality protective paint to apply on a sunny day. Even pre-treated furniture will be finding the endless rain a pain. There are lots of colours of paint available this year so you could brighten up the garden for the winter!

rain

Image Credit

5. Add Shelter

Using a shelter as protection is a great way to prepare your garden for rain. If you choose a beautiful shelter, it can transform your garden.

It seems to be Murphy’s Law that we are forced out of our gardens during the day due to the rain. During the evenings, though, the skies clear. Add shelter so you can enjoy your garden whatever the weather.

A canopy attached to the house is ideal for warm autumn nights while a pagoda can become a real centrepiece.

If you need a second set of hands in the garden, submit a request on Near Me for professional help!

Further Reading

Featured Image Credit