Exposed gardens may need a wind protection system to reduce wind speed, thus diminishing physical damage to stems and branches and preventing water loss.

Windbreaks

Shelter from the wind may be provided by setting up a windbreak, such as a row of trees, a hedge or a screen. Avoid using a solid barrier such as a wall, as this will cause an area of increased turbulence on the leeside of the barrier (the side that should be sheltered from the wind), thus making this method counterproductive. An efficient windbreak should be 50% permeable, allowing gusts of air to pass through, but at reduced speed.

A barrier of 4 m (12 ft) high will produce the greatest protection around a garden, although much smaller breaks may be used, particularly within the garden itself. A 1.5 m (5 ft) barrier with 50% porosity will reduce windspeed by 50% at a distance of 7.5 m (24 ft) from the hedge, and by 10% at a distance of 30 m (100 ft). If positioning a number of windbreaks over an exposed site, space them at a distance of 10 times their height to break the force of the wind.

Planting Tips

As with all garden conditions, it is always best to select plants that can thrive in the given environment. Choose species that can tolerate harsh, drying winds and avoid tall, vulnerable plants that may be easily damaged. Instead, consider buying low-growing plants that can be planted closely together for protection.

Our Garden Design section has many more tips and advice on dealing with exposed gardens.