Brian Corcoran, from Bicester Town Council, has over 30 years' horticultural experience and is parks supervisor for the council whose team of gardeners were instrumental in the town's success in the Britain in Bloom competition.

Mr Corcoran said rapid changes between dry and wet weather can damage even the hardiest of plants, and if flood water is loaded with sewage, it can also introduce harmful bacteria.

"Flood water brings in all kinds of bacteria that can even damage trees."

The symptoms of some infections include blackened areas where the bark has cracked, allowing sap to escape.

Mr Corcoran advises: "It is always a good idea to check your trees after flooding. However the damage might not show itself for several years so it's advisable to put down some slow-release fertiliser."

Stress caused by rapid changes in weather can cause trees to lose their leaves earlier in the year. Leaves reaching their autumnal colours early could be a sign of stress. Other tips include creating raised flower beds to protect shrubs and flowers.

He said: "A flower bed raised by just a couple of inches could avoid flood damage altogether."

Flood water can also compact soil, reducing drainage. Mr Corcoran said: "Most top soil is turned over regularly but you can end up with a bowl of compacted soil underneath."

To improve drainage 'double dig' your flower beds by moving the top layer of soil to the side and turning over the soil underneath.