A couple of weeks ago, while I was visiting a friend’s garden, I saw the first sign that something was amiss – an ominous black wall cloud to the west. The second sign was a funnel cloud almost directly overhead. The National Weather Service warning on the radio mentioned Greenwood Village, several miles to the west. Rather than heading for the basement, I jumped in the car and sped home.
Halfway there, the sky opened up. By the time I got home, the hail was so thick I could hardly see. Within minutes the storm had moved on, leaving my garden in tatters. This isn’t the worst hailstorm we’ve experienced. True, there isn’t a leaf in my entire garden that isn’t damaged, but I recall storms where trees were stripped naked and large boughs snapped off.
Hearing about the damage, several friends offered to help, but the truth is, other than sweeping and raking, there isn’t really much you can do. On the positive side, the heavy rainfall associated with hail probably helps damaged plants recover. The cool overcast day that followed the storm improved the situation , giving the plants 24 hours reprieve about them before having to cope with heat and sunshine again.
My recovery involved hard lemonade and brownies. To help the garden recover, I intend to apply liquid fertilizer the next time temperatures are cool. Plants left with only half their leaves – half their ability to make a living – can use a temporary assist. I also plan to take advantage of a new technology developed by Cornell University and endorsed by the American Rose Society and the National Gardening Association.
This protein, marketed as Messenger (available at ars.org or messenger.info, 925-984-2020), helps plants overcome environmental stress.
For good measure, I also will spray damaged plants with a solution of three aspirins dissolved in four gallons of water, which research demonstrates wards off bacteria, viruses and fungi. To ensure the plants are not further stressed by either too much or too little water, I vow to take extra care for the rest of the season.
Beyond that, all you can do is wait out the damage. The earlier in the season the storm hits, the better the garden recovers. Plants are in a growth phase in June. Most have auxiliary buds that will leap into action to replace missing and badly damaged leaves. Flowers in bud generally recover enough to bloom, though the flowers may be slightly misshapen. Pockmarked leaves are best ignored. The plants will sort things out.
It probably is not a bad thing to be reminded we really aren’t in charge when it comes to our gardens. So much is subject to natures whims. Those of us who have lived here a while learn to roll with the punches.
My garden had never looked better than before the hail struck. That’s the memory of the day I mean to hold on to.
Marcia Tatroe is a garden writer and lecturer. E-mail her at rltaurora@aol.com.
