Homeowners have been offered expert advice to prevent their gardens from suffering in wet weather this autumn.
After one of the wettest years on record and the rainiest weeks on the horizon, households have been told to consider incorporating flood-tolerant plants into ‘rain gardens’ in their backyards.
Rain gardens are shallow, dug-out basins filled with plants which allow for up to 30 percent more water to be absorbed into the ground than regular lawns.
Gardeners are being urged to spend some time getting their gardens ready for the wet weather now to ensure their gardens are healthy when spring rolls back around.
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Floodproofing your garden is crucial for its longevity and can reduce maintenance costs in the future.
“From strategically creating space for water to flow and gather to ensuring your garden has good quality, healthy soil, taking the time to get your garden ready for wet weather will ensure its health and appearance all year round.”
Outdoors experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared some flood-proof tips this autumn.
1. Strategic hard landscaping
Hard landscaping can create great features in the garden, but it can also help with water diversion.
Strategically placing features like seating areas, as well as using permeable materials such as gravel walkways and trenches can improve drainage.
If your garden is particularly affected by the rain, you might also want to consider adding inclining patios or decking that will allow you to control and manage excess water flow.
2. Flood tolerant plants
Some plants are more tolerant to extreme weather than others, for flood-prone gardens it’s worth considering adding flood-tolerant plants, including, carex, Acorus, daylilies, marsh marigolds, lady smock and New England aster.
3. Raised beds
Elevated planting in raised beds helps keep plants above ground level, improving soil drainage and preventing waterlogging. This will protect your plants from excess water which could damage them.
4. Create space for water
A simple yet effective strategy to protect your garden from flooding, this approach allows excess water to be stored naturally without causing disruption. Use tactical hard landscaping to guide water to a centralised area, creating a functional yet attractive feature in the garden.
5. Water butts
Installing a water butt will capture and store excess rainwater from your pre-existing drainage system, preventing overflow and pooling. This also provides a sustainable way to reuse rainwater during the summer months.
6. Trees
Planting trees in your garden will not only improve your soil drainage but also allow water to get caught in the leaves, which then evaporates without pooling in the garden.
The willow tree, river birch and red maple are great choices for flood-prone gardens, thriving in wet conditions.
7. Rain gardens
Rain gardens are shallow, dug-out basins filled with plants which can withstand up to 48 hours of water logging. They help water to drain into the surrounding soil, absorbing up to 30 percent more water than a lawn.
Once established, rain gardens require minimal maintenance, making them the perfect long-term solution for managing excess water in your garden.
8. Healthy soil
Ensuring the garden has good quality, healthy soil not only helps the plants but allows for more water absorption. Good soil will filter and store water, preventing water run-off and pooling.
Adding bark on top of the soil retains excess water, allowing it to slowly permeate into the soil more evenly.
