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Weather ... And More Weather!

© Jane Hollis

Nature never lets us get too complacent. In these days of modern technology we like to feel we are protected from the weather and elements - but every so often Mother Nature likes to remind us just how vulnerable we are.

Here in the UK we like to feel that we are safe from the extreme weather conditions found in other climates - not for us the monsoons, hurricanes, prolonged snow or drought of other lands. However, the last month has shaken that complacency and showed us how much damage the forces of nature can cause. First at the beginning of October it rained and rained ... and then rained and rained some more ... and some more. In fact a month's worth of rain fell in 24 hours. Then as the water drained from fields, roads and gardens it ran down to the valleys and into the rivers which then burst their banks. Fields disappeared under lakes of water, fences were knocked down by raging torrents, roads became impassable and houses and gardens were flooded with a disgusting mixture of water, mud and sewage.

And then, towards the end of the month, just as people were piecing their lives back together again, came the worst storm for 13 years. High winds ripped off roofs and brought down trees and fences, whilst the accompanying rain started the floods off again. Many homes were left with no electricity and the telephone systems weren't working properly.

For most people the priority will lie with repairing their homes, but once finished they will have to contemplate the damage to their gardens. Luckily for me, our cottage is on high land and our property was not affected by the floods at all. The gales blew a few slates off the roof, toppled a young Melianthus major, knocked over the garden chairs and left a young apple tree at a 45 degree angle - but we got off lightly.

Many people had greenhouses broken by flying debris and garden fences brought down, smashing valued plants underneath. Mature trees have fallen and pots have been smashed. Flooding has left lawns and borders a sea of mud, and vulnerable plants may start to rot away.

The hard work of clearing up now has to begin - let's just hope Mother Nature has no more surprises for us this winter!

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