How to Protect Your Scottish Garden During Wet Winters and Springs

Winter in Scotland can be cold, wet, and windy, and that can be hard on a garden. Even in spring, the changeable weather means heavy rain and cool temperatures can result in damage to plants. While many people neglect their gardens in winter, there are important steps you can take to protect your garden, so that it will be beautiful and functional in the growing seasons. Which plants need protection? If your home is somewhere mild, tender plants will require protective covering. On the other hand, if your home is in a cold or exposed area,  hardy plants may need to be protected from the elements as well. Even evergreens need care, and pot plants are at particular risk in rough weather. Fortunately, being proactive will keep your garden growing.

Tips on How to Winter-Proof Your Garden

At the first sign of frost, wrap your plants to keep them safe. You can use horticultural fleece, also called “garden fleece” in rolls or sheets. Some garden centres will also cut it to order, so that you can buy just the amount you need. Tender plants wrapped with fleece will be safe from frost, but it needs to be secured with twine or pegs so that it will not blow away. The fleece can remain in place for a few days, as it allows light and water to pass through, but it should be removed once the threat of frost has passed. While most horticultural fleece is a single-use plastic product, it can actually be reused several times. You can also choose to use plant-based horticultural fleece, and protect roots, particularly of pot plants, with straw. Of course, prevention is the best cure, and you can create a garden that is more able to weather the winter by choosing your plants carefully and planting them strategically. At the base of a south-facing wall, your garden will stay warmer, while the north side of the house will be colder and wetter. Keep plants that are in containers grouped together, in dry, sheltered spaces where they can provide some shelter for each other. You can also choose to bury the pots in the ground, with just the rim showing. Before winter, inspect all of your garden structures, repairing or replacing any loose or damaged panels, roots, posts or fences. Steer clear of solid fences, choosing a fence that is 50 percent wind permeable, to allow the wind to pass through without creating gusts, turbulence or shaking. It is also wise to strategically place windbreaks, to protect your plants. 

Prevent Water Damage to Plants

Compaction and soil erosion can be a problem after a heavy rain, but you can minimise this issue by mulching. If you have garden beds in containers, raise plant beds for dryness by putting them on bricks or pot feet, to keep them from becoming waterlogged, freezing, then cracking. Be careful not to fertilise during wet weather, as this can result in nutrient run-off. After a storm, check on your plants, pruning away damage to prevent decay and disease. Take care to deal with drainage problems as soon as possible, because wet soils can cause root rot or make young trees more likely to be uprooted in the wind. 

Best Ways to Improve Garden Drainage

After a prolonged period of rainfall, you may find that your garden is struggling to cope with the excess water. If you notice puddles, take action immediately. The best course of action is to take action ahead of the rainy season, improving the drainage in your garden so that you can avoid root rot, disease, soil erosion, and pest problems. Consider raised beds, or install a drain in your yard if you cannot seem to control puddling. Use organic mulch, but do not use a heavy hand. A light covering will help protect your plants, but too much mulch can trap excess moisture.

Let North Hill Gardens Help Protect Your Garden

Whenever you need help with your garden, whether you want to completely transform it or you just need seasonal help with maintenance, trust North Hill Gardens to bring out its full potential. Our mission is to create beautiful, sustainable, and functional gardens, and we believe that every garden can be an exquisite, tranquil sanctuary that brings joy and inspiration to the world. Our team of enthusiastic, skilled garden designers, landscapers, and horticulture experts has been serving communities in the UK for many years. Working closely with our clients, we strive to tailor each project to match their unique vision, in a way that is both creative and practical. Whatever you envision, our goal is to use our wealth of knowledge and passion for gardening to help bring it to life in your garden.

Whether you are seeking landscaping, garden design, or maintenance, contact us to find out how our experienced team can help.