As any green-fingered enthusiast knows, creating a beautiful garden takes considerable effort and time. However, gardens are susceptible to various challenges, notably harsh weather conditions and wildlife. This article outlines effective methods of safeguarding your garden against these potential threats, ensuring that your garden remains a sanctuary of beauty and tranquillity.
Weatherproofing Your Garden
The UK weather can be notoriously unpredictable, posing a range of challenges for the hardiest of gardens. Climate change has led to a rise in more extreme weather too, with more rain, harder frosts and higher temperatures. Here are some strategies for protecting your garden against adverse weather conditions.
Install A Windbreak
Winds can wreak havoc on your garden, causing damage to plants and structures. Installing a windbreak can help protect your garden. This could be a sturdy fence, a hedgerow, or a row of tall plants. These barriers will deflect the wind and reduce its speed, offering protection to more delicate plants.
Apply Mulch
Applying a layer of mulch is one of the best ways to safeguard your soil against heavy rain and intense sun. Mulch absorbs excess water, preventing soil erosion and root damage. It also helps retain moisture during periods of hot weather, keeping the soil hydrated.
Choose Hardy Plants
Certain plants are better equipped to handle harsh weather conditions than others. Native plants are generally a good choice as they are adapted to the local climate. Additionally, many plants, such as evergreens and perennials, can withstand cold weather better than others.
Use Gabion Baskets to Protect Your Garden From Erosion
Erosion, often exacerbated by weather conditions, can seriously damage your garden landscape. Gabion baskets can be a powerful tool in protecting your garden against this threat.
Gabion baskets are sturdy wire baskets filled with rocks, stones, or other durable materials. Visit Fine Mesh Metals to find out more about why they could be the perfect choice for your home.
When positioned strategically, these structures can prevent soil erosion, protect slopes and embankments, and maintain the integrity of your garden landscape. As well as providing practical benefits, gabion baskets also add an attractive, architectural element to your garden. A retaining wall doesn’t have to be an eyesore either, as Gabion’s retaining walls can be tailored to your specific needs.
Wildlife-Proofing Your Garden
While wildlife can bring a delightful sense of nature to our gardens, some animals may also cause damage. Here’s how to maintain a balance:
Install Protective Barriers
Installing protective barriers is a humane and effective way to keep certain wildlife out of your garden. These barriers could take the form of fences, mesh netting, or chicken wire, depending on the type of animals you’re trying to deter. Remember, the goal is not to completely exclude wildlife from your garden but to protect your plants from damage.
Use Wildlife-Resistant Plants
Some plants are less appealing to animals due to their taste, texture, or smell. For example, a lot of gardeners have trouble keeping slugs away. Incorporating these plants into your garden can help to discourage wildlife from feasting on your plants.
Natural Deterrents
Consider using natural deterrents to discourage wildlife from causing damage. These can include scent deterrents, such as garlic or pepper, which can be effective at keeping away certain pests.
