"Ciaran, Domigos: storm over the garden" could be the title of a new novel or yet another disaster film that makes me want to dive into a good plant catalogue (guess which one!), dreaming of brighter days and new plantings! By the way, I wonder why storms and cyclones are almost always named after women? Strange... but that's not the point! Anyway, lately, France has experienced severe weather phenomena. Many gardens have faced torrential rains (flop flop flop... at least it made the children laugh!) and especially strong gusts of wind that have caused varying degrees of damage depending on the regions.

That said, relax... Take a deep breath, it will be alright! Here’s what you can do after a storm passes, as well as precautions to take in anticipation of the next one.

1) WHAT TO DO AFTER THE STORM?

First, be patient. If the wind is still blowing, it’s not yet time for your daily walk to assess the damage. It won’t get any worse!

Once all risks are cleared:

  • Start by picking up the dead wood. It may be disheartening, but be positive and pragmatic: it’s natural pruning! It’s done, and you won’t have to balance on a wobbly ladder to cut those branches!
  • Secure small structures like chicken coops or small plastic greenhouses (ideally, bring them in for winter).
  • Close your greenhouses well, or if that’s not possible, leave them open: if the wind gets in, it needs to be able to escape!
  • If you garden on a balcony or terrace, bring in hanging planters and group all pots in one place, as sheltered as possible.

And as these weather phenomena are likely to become more frequent in the future, think long-term as well:

  • Do not plant large conifers (Cedar, Sequoiadendron, Pines...) near buildings. Their often fragile branches provide a significant wind catch, and it’s not uncommon for large branches to break under gusts.
  • Plant a proper windbreak hedge on the side of prevailing winds: there’s nothing more effective for protecting a garden! For this, opt for a free hedge where small trees and hedge shrubs, deciduous or evergreen, coexist. Take inspiration from the hedges in your region and plant, for example, Elder, Spindle, Privet, Hazel, Amelanchier, Cornus, Viburnum...

What about you? Any damage in the garden? Perhaps you have some additional tips to protect the garden from the wind... Feel free to share them in the comments!