Gardening Guru Offers Flood-Proofing Tips for Resilient Gardens

In a timely article, award-winning garden designer Tom Massey offers practical advice to help gardeners alleviate the damage caused by heavy rainfall. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, Massey warns that gardeners can no longer ignore the threat of devastating floods and crippling heatwaves.

To prepare for the autumn and winter downpours, Massey recommends planting trees and shrubs that thrive in wet conditions, such as willow, alder, and birch. These water-loving plants can help soak up excess moisture and stabilize the soil. Massey also suggests incorporating perennials like Siberian iris, astilbe, and purple loosestrife, which flourish in damp environments.

Beyond plant selection, Massey emphasizes the importance of improving soil health by adding organic matter to increase water infiltration and storage. He advises gardeners to use permeable surfaces like gravel, permeable pavers, or reinforced grass grids, which allow rainwater to percolate into the ground rather than running off.

For existing gardens, Massey recommends disconnecting downpipes from the main sewer system and redirecting the water into a rain garden, swale, or soakaway. This helps alleviate the burden on local drainage systems and reduces the risk of flooding.

Finally, Massey suggests rethinking waterlogged lawns, which can be a constant battle. Instead, he proposes creating a rain garden or a bog garden, which can thrive in the damp conditions and provide a unique habitat for biodiversity.