Brewing storms can threaten gardens.

No matter what the cause of the extreme weather patterns being experienced almost everywhere, gardeners are being challenged. Even areas that are used to having plenty of rain are experiencing drought conditions. Unusual winds and heavy rains mix with cold spells and dangerous weather cells. So what’s a gardener to do? No one wants to see all their hard work and favorite plants decimated by weather.

We don’t know if extreme weather is going to be the future pattern or if it is temporary, but the best way to create a successful garden is to design with protection and strong plants. Creating attractive permanent features with dense materials like stone that will help equalize temperatures, overhangs that can shelter tender  growth and choosing plants that are already adapted to your local climate you will make your garden more resistant and safer for your plants during weather challenges.

Sunburn can brown leaves when heat and dry combine unexpectedly.

If your soil is kept healthy, drainage is efficient and you select the kinds of plants that can handle the sun, shade, drought or even wet conditions where they are planted in your garden, expect your garden to be resilient. The more coddling your garden needs, the more vulnerable it is to extremes and unpredictable weather. The less fussing your garden requires — like additional irrigation, constant clipping and pruning, mowing, staking, etc. — the more likely it is to withstand sudden weather changes.

Add good care and regular maintenance to your gardening rituals. Keeping gardens and structures sound and in good repair will minimize damage when winds blow or rain pours. Keeping tools clean will help avoid spreading disease and discourage pests.

There are no magic ways to combat extreme weather. But a good, strong, healthy environment with wisely selected plants makes your garden more likely to withstand weather conditions that would otherwise be destructive.

Even this sturdy palm can be ripped apart with heavy winds.

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