How To Protect Your Garden During Cold Spells

The gardening instructor said that many plants grown in the Lower Mainland are hardy, while some common plants are more susceptible.

As cold air from the Arctic moves through the state, much of B.K. Next week should be colder than usual.

Below-zero temperatures will last from Tuesday to Friday in the Lower Mainland, according to Environment Canada.

And gardener Brian Minter of Country Gardens Ltd. Chilliwack says gardeners need to be prepared.

Minter told CBC BC Today on Friday: "I'm very concerned about the many plants around our house right now.

Minter said flowers that people start planting in early spring, such as daffodils, primroses and pansies, are at risk.

"Winter does not give up ... resists."

Minter advises gardeners not to prune their roses just yet, because this should only be done after the last frost has passed.

"You want to see almost everything in your garden, but we need to take care of the most beautiful items."

Alison Luke, a horticultural instructor at the UBC Botanical Gardens, says many plants grown in the Lower Mainland are hardy, and some common plants susceptible to the disease include New Zealand flax, rosemary, red clover, sea leaves and lemongrass.

For vulnerable plants, homeowners can move them to a protected location, such as under stairs or even on a landing.

For plants stuck in the ground, Luke recommends spreading them out with a two to four inch layer of mulch, mulch like wood chips, or compost like rotting leaves.

If gardeners want to be more careful, physical protection can be created by wrapping the plant or building a bag tent around it.

Luke said some people put Christmas lights around plants to provide extra warmth.

“I think thawing plants, wrapping plants, and bringing plants inside are the three options you have during cold periods,” Luke said.