WITH winter approaching, people are looking for ways to keep their homes warm without breaking the bank.
And cash experts have come up with a clever way to stay cosy and keep costs down at the same time.
Allianz UK has teamed up with top botanist, James Wong to share how you can protect your home from the weather using everyday garden plants.
James said: “A growing body of scientific research has demonstrated that garden plants can work in a host of surprising ways to shield homes against winter weather damage.
“Think of them as ingenious building materials that aren’t just eco friendly and affordable, but grow ever more effective (and more beautiful!) with each passing year – living protection for your property.”
Here, James rounds up a list of everyday garden plants – shrubs, climbers, hedges and flowers – which can reduce flood risks, tackle dampness and even keep your home warm.
Evergreen climbers
The glossy, evergreen leaves of climbers like ivy (Hedra helix) can keep houses warm by creating a thick barrier of foliage, shielding the walls they are growing on from both summer heat, winter cold and rain.
Scientific evidence has shown that ivy protects plaster and brickwork by buffering the effects of adverse weather as long as they are in good condition at the time of planting.
Ivy can be bought from £4.30 – just remember to cut it back if it is at risk of growing into guttering.
Protective shrubs
Much like climbers, shrubs like euonymus (‘silver queen’) can be used to create a living layer of insulation.
They can help prevent pipe damage from freezing in harsh winters, and disguise unsightly downpipes or taps behind a wall of beautiful foliage.
Privet hedges
When planted around homes as a low hedge, privet (ligustrum ovalifolium) can protect foundations from freezing and thawing cycles in two different ways.
Their thick canopies prevent the cold from reaching the foundations, and their moisture-absorbing roots also prevent water-logging, working together to prevent cracks and shifting due to freezing soil.
Strong rooted flowers
Plants with strong root systems like periwinkles (vinca major) help stabilize soil and prevent erosion caused by winter storms and the melting of snow and ice.
The roots anchor the soil around foundations, driveways and slopes, protecting your property from water damage and potential subsidence by parenting runoff.
Erosion control plants
If your front garden is paved over, it can increase the risk of flooding in towns and cities as rainwater runoff is no longer able to soak safely into the soil.
Planting a gravel garden using a carpet of groundcover plants that can withstand being walked over, like creeping thyme (thymus serpyllum), will create a low-maintenance outdoor space that could help with flood prevention, leaving you with a functional and beautiful driveway.
Evergreen shrubs
Rain can be prevented from pooling near the base of walls and seeping into basements or brickwork but using deep-rooted evergreen plants like holly (ilex aquifolium).
This has a drying effect on external walls by absorbing moisture and water from the ground, helping to root out damp and mould issues – particularly helpful in older homes.
Hardy houseplant
Having your central heating on in the winter months can lead to minor health problems like sore throats and itchy skin due to the air being so dry.
Adding a few hardy houseplants, like peace lilies (spathiphyllum sp.) about your home can help boost moisture levels as water evaporates from their leaves, helping to improve humidity.
Fragrant climbers
The almond-scented clematis (clematis armandii) blooms with delicate white flowers and a sweet almond fragrance, opening in the middle of winter.
Its evergreen leaves create an insulating air pocket around your home.
Ground cover plants
Evergreen groundcovers like pachysandra terminals ‘green carpet’) reduce soil splash onto walls, which can degrade brick or render over time, as well as being unsightly.
Matt Cox, chief claims officer at Allianz UK, added: “A well-planned garden doesn’t just look great – it can also help your home withstand winter’s harshest effects.
“We’re delighted to be teaming up with James to show how smart planting can give households extra protection.
“Should the worst happen, Allianz home insurance is here to cover storm and flood damage.
“For garden enthusiasts, it’s a no-brainer: make your garden worker harder, offering natural protection while still creating beautiful spaces.”
Avoid planting high moisture demanding trees and shrubs near to your property if you are on clay soil and always seek professional advice on tree planting to avoid causing any future problems.
