Hurricane Helene has devastated the horticulture industry. Here's how you can help

In a matter of hours Friday, an estimated four feet of devastating floodwaters from Hurricane Helene swept through native plant supplier Carolina Native Nursery in western North Carolina, wiping out 90% of its inventory and causing significant damage to its infrastructure. 

“We estimate 90% of our plants are on their way to the Atlantic Ocean at this time,” said Bill Jones, president of Carolina Native Nursery, in a video posted to Facebook. 

Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on the Gulf Coast of Florida late Thursday before tearing through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The deadly storm wiped out towns, destroyed roads and left communities without power, internet access or cellphone service. 

Hurricane Helene has killed more than 150 people in six states, according to The Associated Press. 

"Nearly half of the deaths were in North Carolina, while dozens of others were in South Carolina and Georgia," the AP said.

"The devastation was especially bad in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where at least 50 people died in and around Asheville, a tourism haven known for its art galleries, breweries and outdoor activities," the AP said.

Hundreds of roads remain closed, especially in the Carolinas, hampering the delivery of badly needed supplies, according to CNN’s live updates.

“Western North Carolina, the upstate of South Carolina, eastern Tennessee is going to be in redevelopment for years,” Jones said. “We really need your help to help us regrow the native plant business ... So, stay strong, everybody. Our staff is working hard. We’re coming together; you can too. Western North Carolina is going to need all the help. We can do it.” 

The aftermath of Helene in North Carolina 

Carolina Native Nursery was one of the tour stops at the Perennial Plant Association’s 2024 National Symposium in Asheville this summer.

The PPA encouraged its members in the area to reach out if the association can do anything to help. 

“Our thoughts are with the many friends and colleagues both in Western NC and throughout the Southeast who have been impacted by the storms,” the PPA wrote on Facebook. “Asheville provided such a warm welcome to PPA this summer and it is hard to fathom the impacts so many are experiencing from the storm.” 

The AP reports that western North Carolina suffered relatively more devastation because the higher elevations and cooler air of the Appalachian Mountains caused even more rain to fall — in mountain towns already built in valleys that leave them vulnerable to flooding.

"Climate change has exacerbated conditions that allow such storms to thrive, rapidly intensifying in warming waters and turning into powerful cyclones, sometimes within hours," the AP said.

An estimated 20 trillion gallons of water fell in Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas and Florida from Hurricane Helene, according to the AP, which reports that storms are also getting wetter as the climate changes.

"A basic law of physics says the air holds nearly 4% more moisture for every degree Fahrenheit warmer (7% for every degree Celsius), and the world has warmed more than 2 degrees (1.2 degrees Celsius) since pre-industrial times," the AP said.

Horticulture businesses closed throughout western North Carolina 

Green industry businesses throughout western North Carolina sustained heavy damage, and many will be closed until further notice as they deal with the aftermath of the storm.

“Although the damage is considerable, we are just grateful to be safe and above all else thinking of our neighbors and community,” The Gardener’s Cottage, a home and garden shop in Asheville, wrote on Facebook. “We will get through this together one day at a time.”

Raymond’s Garden Center in Hendersonville said its people were safe and sound, but the business will be closed until further notice, although it has already started cleanup efforts. 

“We are strong, we are determined, we are family, we are community,” the IGC wrote on Facebook. “We all WILL get thru this.” 

Jesse Israel & Sons Garden Center in Asheville and Thyme in the Garden, a garden and gift shop in Asheville, will also be closed for the foreseeable future. 

Jesse Israel and Sons said although their people are safe, the business will remain closed until fuel is more available. 

“Although our hearts are broken from all the loss in our community, everyone in our family and staff are all safe. Our business, while impacted by flood, will recover,” a post on Facebook from Thyme in the Garden reads. “We will remain closed for the foreseeable future while we focus on taking care of basic needs. We'll keep you posted as to when we can reopen, but for now, we're sending our love to everyone impacted by this unprecedented event.” 

Ross Farm Nursery and Greenhouses (formerly known as Jack Young Greenhouses) in Candler had a couple of trees down but said “all is well here at the farm.” 

The business has ponds on its property that are open to all for people to bring buckets and take water for flushing toilets. 

Flat Creek Plant Farm, a plant nursery in Weaverville, “survived the storm” but does not have water or power. 

“Praying for our beloved 828,” the business wrote on Facebook. 

How to help horticulture businesses after Helene 

Garden Supply Company in Cary, North Carolina, compiled a list of resources to donate supplies, give money, volunteer and provide support: 

Other donation options include: 

“Monetary donations can stretch farther through groups that can purchase in bulk and have transportation logistics in place,” the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services said. 

Evergreen of Colonial Heights, a garden center in Kingsport, Tennessee, collected a truck full of donated nonperishable food, water, diapers, toiletries and pet supplies, giving those who donated a $5 off $20 coupon. 

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services activated a hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

“North Carolina’s agriculture community is strong and resilient and always willing to step up for others in need,” the department said. “Western NC has seen major damage including significant damage to roads, cell towers and electrical systems making the area unsafe. Work is focused on rescuing those trapped, restoring communication systems and power. Though well intended, emergency responders have asked that citizens not come to Western N.C. to leave roads clear for emergency responders.” 

What to do if your business was damaged in Hurricane Helene 

Nursery Management wrote this previous guide on what to do after hurricane damage: 

— Secure your structures and buildings. Make any necessary repairs to your structures so they are secure from the weather and intrusion. 

— Take care of your plant material. Stand up all plant material as quickly as possible to prevent burning from laying in the sun. Re-stake material as quickly as possible. Irrigate to flush any salt residue. The closer to the coast you are, the more important this is. The force of hurricane winds can carry salt spray for miles. Replant any material needing it. Prune to correct any damage. 

— Notify the proper authorities in the event of storm damage. Notify the local police or sheriff’s department of any road obstructions or hazardous situations. Notify your electric company of any downed lines or power outages so they can get your request in their repair sequences. Report water, sewer or gas line breaches to the appropriate authority. 

— If necessary, notify disaster assistance agencies of your needs. If you have crop insurance, you may qualify for disaster assistance or low-cost loans. Contact the appropriate agency as soon as possible for instruction. 

— Notify your customers of your situation. As quickly as possible, let your customers know how well you survived the storm and when you anticipate servicing their accounts. 

— Photograph and document damage before you start clean-up. 

More ways to help in Helene aftermath 

The Associated Press put together this guide to helping: 

— "Cash is king. Many groups providing aid will only accept cash donations because the needs are not fully known and it does not require additional resources to get the donations to those in need. Food and clothing drives may be helpful later in the process in specific communities, but it can divert manpower to connect the right people with the right items."

— "Give to charities already working in the area. Because damage from Helene is spread out over six states in an area that reaches from Florida’s Big Bend to the Appalachians in Virginia, experts say to look for groups with a history of aid in the specific city or state you want to help so that your donation reaches your intended area more quickly. If you want suggestions, Charity Navigator and GoFundMe have curated lists of organizations and people in the affected areas."

— "Look for matching donations. Nonprofits recognize that individuals may not be able to give as much as they would like due to the current economy and the number of current global crises. Experts suggest giving through places that will provide a matching donation. For example, Walmart announced Monday that its foundation will not only donate $6 million to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts, but it will match all customer donations made to the American Red Cross at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores, as well as Walmart.com, until Oct. 13, up to $2.5 million."

— "Consider waiting. Rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Helene will take months, if not years, and the full picture of need is not available yet, experts say. They say that following disasters donations start out strong following the event and then slow down when it is no longer top of mind, even though that’s when the need made be growing when government benefits expire."

The Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association and the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association also shared hurricane preparedness and recovery resources. 

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has also compiled an extensive list of resources for post-Helene assistance and recovery.

Emily Mills is digital editor of Garden Center, Greenhouse Management and Nursery Management magazines. Katie McDaniel is assistant editor of Nursery Management magazine. Contact them at emills@gie.net and kmcdaniel@gie.net.