The summer weather came early, bringing us temperatures in the 90s to the 100s, and it was very windy.Our normal maximum temperature for this time of year is around 80 degrees.Some trees, shrubs and perennials are recovering from severe cold this spring and are facing unusually high temperatures.New plants can also get into trouble if they haven't adapted.Faced with such problems and uncertainties, how should we respond?

For struggling plants, the first step is to keep them as maintained as possible.Keep them moist but not wet.Do not fertilize, as they do not use fertilizer efficiently, which is likely to create more stress.This includes lawns.

While the wind is tough and ugly, it can provide a temporary shade cloth for struggling plants you worry about.Shade cloths are available in the centre of the garden to protect the plants from the afternoon sun.In my garden, even healthy plants with afternoon shade are significantly healthier than plants without this protection.

I use sunshades almost every year to protect the plants I dig and transplant in my garden.Sometimes, as happened this year, I'm late and the weather is hot.Sometimes, even when the weather is cool, If the root system of the transplanted plant is not as good as it needs to survive, I will use it.This is quite common for plants with tap roots.

Often plants go into hibernation as a protection against the outside world and are likely to recover when the weather improves.When the weather is sunny, light fertilization often helps these and other struggling plants.

To minimize these problems in the future, plant selection and placement are key when adding plants to your garden.First, choose native plants and adaptive plants that are suitable for local conditions.Most plants have different varieties that, although similar, have different characteristics.Choose plants that are drought-tolerant and sun-resistant.

Proper placement of plants in microclimates also helps them survive and thrive in harsh conditions.For plants that may not be able to cope as easily as some others with all that flooding offers, look for places that give them extra protection.

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For example, you can provide a more friendly environment for plants by using the shadow provided by a wind tunnel or by your house, other plants, fences, etc.Even the stones and stepping stones provide a cool, moist environment for the roots of plants to thrive in the sun.For some plants, choosing the best location can mean thriving rather than hanging on or even dying.

But keep in mind that healthy annuals, which are generally better adapted to hot, dry weather, should be fertilized regularly for best performance.