Designing gardens in windy locations
How to design for shelter and protection
Wind can have a bigger impact on your garden than sun or soil. In exposed areas, it affects planting, usability and long-term success.
Across Kingston, Richmond and Cobham, wind exposure varies widely, especially in open or elevated locations.
How wind affects your garden
- Damages plants and dries soil
- Makes seating areas uncomfortable
- Increases maintenance
- Reduces plant survival rates
Design solutions for windy gardens
Use permeable screening
Solid fences create turbulence. Slatted fencing, hedging or planting works better.
Create sheltered zones
Use planting and structures to form protected areas.
Improve soil moisture retention
Wind increases evaporation. Add organic matter and mulch regularly.
Best plants for windy gardens
- Grasses (Miscanthus, Stipa)
- Hebe
- Pittosporum
- Amelanchier
- Hornbeam
Common mistakes
- Installing solid fencing only
- Choosing delicate plants
- Ignoring wind direction
Frequently asked questions
How do you reduce wind in a garden?
Use permeable barriers like hedging or slatted fencing rather than solid walls, which can increase turbulence.
What plants grow well in windy gardens?
Hardy plants such as grasses, hebes, pittosporum and hornbeam cope well with wind exposure.
Are windy gardens harder to maintain?
They can be, as wind increases drying and plant stress, but good design and planting choices make them manageable.