Gardeners urged to pick the right plants to help combat flooding

HOMEOWNERS are being urged to make their gardens more resilient to flooding with plants that can help them bounce back from heavy rain and floods.

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The Environment Department (Defra) has highlighted five plants that can help gardens of various sizes be “flood ready”, ranging from trees and shrubs to grasses and flowers.

Officials said choosing the right plants can help ordinary gardens recover better and more quickly from heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding and damage to property.

Some plants act as natural sponges that absorb water through their roots and leaves, slow the flow of water and improve the absorption of the soil, while also looking good in the garden, Defra said.