Advice Centre

Wrapping up

Vulnerable specimens can be given an enclosure made from windbreak netting that is lined with garden fleece, while not-so-hardy wall shrubs are insulated from the cold by spreading a sheet of fine-mesh netting over the plants and stuffing it with insulating material, such as straw or dry leaves. Alternatively, you could drape the plants with a double layer of garden fleece. Make sure you secure the netting along all sides to prevent it blowing about in windy weather.

Insulating the roots

Many borderline shrubs and climbers benefit from having their roots protected during prolonged cold spells by covering the surface of the soil with an insulating mulch of dry leaves or compost. This is particularly important while the plant is becoming established, during the first few seasons after planting. Use netting to hold a 15cm deep layer of autumn leaves or straw in place or cover the ground around vulnerable shrubs with a thick mulch of garden compost or even piles of hedge trimmings. more>>