A simple solution for wind and storms... thoughts?

[HiOrcDen]

So I have come up with what I believe to be a very simple, effective, and inexpensive means of protection for my outdoor orchids, from high winds and storms. I would like to know what you all think.

So I would purchase some kind of inexpensive planks, Something like a little 2x2. However I think the wood would rot, so I'm thinking some kind of plastic or hard rubber, something which will hold pushpins, or tacks, or even small nails. I am not great with hardware, so any suggestions for a material would be appreciated.

So then I would fasten narrow the bar/plank to my tables with a strong adhesive, like Gorilla weatherproof 2-sided tape.

Then I would use a strong but still flexible wire and wrap tightly around each individual pot. And then I lead the twisting wire to the bar/plank. Finally I would secure the wire to the bar with pushpins, tacks, or small nails, something along those lines. I believe this would hold everything secure, especially if the wire is wrapped around the top of each pot. I have mostly small and medium orchids, a few big types (which I'd like to increase... I have made lots of buys based just on cool flowers, which end up being little lol). I think this would be secure enough in any kind of weather I might encounter where I live, in coastal SoCal. Also, it would be simple to move around, or adapt to repotted plants and new orchids of any size.

So what do you guys think of this idea? Does anyone have any further suggestions or critiques of this idea?

And of course I'd really appreciate any suggestions about what kind of materials I should employ for this plan. I mean a 2x2 or 2x4 would rot, so can anyone suggest a specific material sold in a similar shape as a plank of wood, that can be thumbtacked or something along these lines?

[Ray]

A plant can be extracted from a pot by wind more easily than you think.

Living in a coastal location that is subject to storms up to, and including hurricanes, I went with the approach of having all my plants on wheeled carts, so they can be brought indoors if the forecast warrants. Plus, they are easy to move in and out as the seasons allow.

[Roberta]

Based on where you live, you're overcomplicating it and working too hard.

I have a back yard full of orchids, either hanging or on "benches" made of cheap Home Depot shelving on cider blocks. I really haven't had much problem with wind (including the infamous Santa Anas that can have 40 mile-per-hour gusts and also desiccate everything). If a particular pot wants to go over (top heavy or just too light) you can nest it in a terracotta pot for the weight. I have had the setup for years, so by this time anything that was a problem has been dealt with. As for rain, even less of a problem... when the pots are very wet, they are also relatively heavy. Problem solved.

Also, in southern California dealing with wind is a lot easier than in hurricane country... not only is it not as strong, but the direction is predictable. Those hot, dry, strong Santa Ana winds (sundowners in Santa Barbara, diablos in San Francisco Bay area, etc_) come from the east or northeast.(Nature of the beast, compressional heating down mountain slopes, that's where the mountains are, the high pressure builds over the Great Basin desert area to the east) So if you place your growing area strategically (where it is somewhat sheltered from those directions by house, wall, etc) you greatly mitigate the problem. Stormy winds from the north or west may be wet, but aren't super-strong. Again, utilize barriers such as fences, walls, and the house as protection. You can also put the plants on low benches- again benefiting from barriers presented by infrastructure such as fences, and keep the center of gravity low)

[Dimples]

Roberta’s advice is excellent. Pay attention to wind directions and place things accordingly. That’ll eliminate most of your problems.

Otherwise, you can use light weight lattice to add some windbreaks if you have a spot that gets a bit blasted. You just have to figure out how to install it where you need it. Disrupting the airflow through holes helps soften the impact on the plants vs being hit straight on.