Wind protection will help your garden plants reach their full potential, too. Most of the garden plants we love to see growing lush and full can do so almost entirely on their own after they're given a bit of protection from the hot, drying winds of summer. A few examples from the gardens here ...
Windward edge of the planting area:
This row of super wind-resistant Lilac, Bridal Wreath and Rugosa Rose aren't all that intriguing in and of themselves, but they offer wonderful protection for another garden area situated downwind.
Downwind of barrier:
(Click on the image to see the markings)
Yellow arrow denotes the flow pattern of prevailing summer winds. Red circle is where a fence section with shrubs is situated to cause a partial block. This helps to create a softer eddy and flow of hot, drying winds.
Plants downwind of the shrub/fence barrier.
If it helps, think small to start with and then begin a section at a time.
Small area examples:
These pansies wouldn't be nearly as full and lush if the variegated grass wasn't providing shelter.
Delicate blooms aren't tattered by wind and storms if they're sheltered, and the plants grow straight and true.
You don't have to tackle it all at once either, just pick a spot and start with a grouping of items: a fence section, a pile of rocks or wood, the side of a building, or whatever you have to work with, then add some wind-resistant shrubs at the edges, and go on from there.
