Tales of the unexpected: Can we storm-proof our gardens? 

Rain, wind and two storms have wreaked havoc on gardens this month. How should we help plants defend themselves? 

Two unseasonable storms have visited us over the past month. Pictures: iStock

AUGUST 2020 has been one to forget — in the garden at least. Two unseasonable and heavy storms have visited and we have had substantially more rain and high winds than we would be used to at this time of the year.

The result has been, of course, fallen trees and branches but on a smaller scale, shrubs and perennials which should be opening up into bloom are instead rotting and collapsing onto the ground.