My First Blog in a While – Ashley’s comments on a windy week

The high winds we have been experiencing recently are causing all sorts of problems in my garden and here at the Garden Centre.

We lost a large Willow tree in one of our fields, the top was blown completely off, it was the only tree I hadn’t cut the Ivy off, obviously the increased wind resistance caused by the ivy on the branches contributed to the demise of the tree. The cattle have enjoyed eating all the fresh leaves and Sheena and I will benefit in the winter with logs for the wood burner. Being a Willow the stump is bound to grow back again. At the Garden Centre its a job to keep the plants on the benches with the high wind.

High winds put massive demands on plant leaves, they cause the leaves to loose more water which in turn puts more pressure on the root system. If the root system cant keep up with the demand for water from the leaves then the plant will wilt. If plants wilt excessively it can cause death.

To prevent wind damage try to create shelter by fencing or planting larger stronger plants around the more vulnerable plants. Make sure the plants have enough water. Tie main stems or long new growth in to stop blowing around. You could cut some new growth off the plant to reduce wind resistance. Re plant out of wind. Plants will recover quicker if the damaged parts, leaves small branches are removed form the plant. If you have a wind problem choose shorter plants which will be less vulnerable to the wind.

I am not sure if you have been to see us recently, over the last 9 months we have built some pleasant new retail areas for your use including some wonderful new toilets. Over the next few months, years we will soften them by having wonderful plants growing through them. In the meantime they are still quite pleasant areas to be in, full of wonderful garden plants and stuff.

I hope the sun shines a bit this weekend.

Have fun

Ashley