Tell them absolutely not. Thats an act of nature. Find a better employer and do what you have to do until you find one.

Unless you have another one

That's how all employers are natured, don't mind for whatever matter only keep your job safe

Hypothetical worst case scenario off the top of my head: do you like your job enough to have kept receipts of your faithfulness, get a specialty civil... suit lawyer with billable hours, could countersue for more damages than your lawyer would bill you for, willing to burn that bridge and/or full scorched earth, and go on a blacklist with your Management's six degrees of connection? How committed are you to a mutual hostage situation compelled by somebody else? more

Unless the management had seem some sign of negligence from your side, i don't understand why they want you to pay. However, if they insist request... them to be deducting each month from your salary, so that you don't lack cash for personal upkeep at once. more

If the management insists you reimburse them for the trees, you have two choices: stay and take the loss or leave tha Job. There are other jobs... opportunities. I know it feels like your life is unraveling, but you are talented and your skills will always be in demand. You may take an initial financial loss; but I believe that you will land on your feet, no matter your choice! more

As a professional Horticulturist, you are not entitled to pay for something that is caused by natural disaster. However, you can recommend for them... plants that can survive the temperature in the region be it hot or cold. If it was caused due to mismanagement, they have a point but not when the weather changed abruptly and led to the death of a plant. This should be reviewed in your contract very well, also you are supposed to understand the terms on your contract and what is within your KPI.
Thank you  more

What you can do is to make sure that your job is safe no matter what

Ooooh my bad, it's a really terrible moment,