Defra Shares Top 5 Plants to Flood-Proof Your Garden

In response to the UK's rising flood risk due to climate change, the Department for Environment (Defra) has identified 5 key plant types that can help homeowners make their gardens more flood-resilient. According to officials, selecting appropriate flora can significantly enhance a garden's ability to recover swiftly after intense downpours, thereby reducing the potential for flooding and property damage.

Defra explains that certain plants act as "natural sponges", absorbing water through their root systems and foliage. This process not only slows water flow and improves soil absorption but also contributes aesthetically to the garden's appeal. The list of recommended flood-ready plants includes river birch (Betula nigra), a fast-growing tree with shallow roots that stabilize soil and absorb lots of water, and dogwood (Cornus sericea), a shrub with fibrous roots that help prevent soil erosion.

Other plants on the list are mace sedge (Carex grayi), a grass that grows in dense tufts to slow water flow, and yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) which stabilizes wet soil. Red bistort (Bistorta amplexicaulis), a shrub suited for groundcover in wet areas, is also recommended to make gardens more resilient to flooding.

Defra has released this list as part of Flood Action Week, emphasizing that planting flood-ready plants works best alongside other measures, such as checking flood risk, signing up for warnings, and preparing a plan for what to do if flooding hits.