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Problem Corner!

katrina.hall33katrina.hall33 Posts: 2
in Problem solving
We have a shady corner by the house, it is the lowest point in the garden and could become water logged during the wetter months. We also have clay soil here with about 1ft of top soil. As first time home owners and gardeners, we would like some tips and advice on what we could plant in this area? 

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  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    You say "it could become water logged". Is that because you haven't been in the house over a winter yet? If so, I wouldn't advise planting anything yet until you have an idea of how bad the water logging could be.  You could always put a pot on a paving slab in the meantime and plant in that - maybe an evergreen with some snowdrops round the edge.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • katrina.hall33katrina.hall33 Posts: 2
    No we haven't had a full winter yet, but we have already had some trouble with water building up in areas where we have built on for paving. We have had to dig out some drainage channels to keep the water from sitting around our shed base and damaging the ground works.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    If it's a new build, it's the builders responsibility to lay adequate drainage around the house so I'd try going back to them - and stand your ground.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
    edited December 2018
    katrina.hall33 said:
    We have a shady corner by the house, it is the lowest point in the garden and could become water logged during the wetter months. We also have clay soil here with about 1ft of top soil. As first time home owners and gardeners, we would like some tips and advice on what we could plant in this area? 
    Hydrangea?

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=122

    if it’s more water than a hydrangea can handle I’d put in a small tree. Theyy suck up an awful lot of water.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Yes, I agree Tinpot, but probably not wise near to a house.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    If you want perennials for wet shade then Hostas, Astilbes and Rodgersia like those conditions.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    What size is the area? Shrubs planted in those areas will no doubt help with the waterlogging problem. Evergreen shrubs and some deciduous shrubs help balance out the soil long term. It's always a good idea to have shrubs in mind, if you have the space.

    Always add in lots of compost or well rotted manure every year to alter the top soil texture. Also, what type of shade do you have? A north wall is not necessarily shady in some parts of the year depending on the surrounding area and building. 

    Weigelas and Choysia Ternata can cope with heavy soils and fairly shady positions. For perennials, Bergenias, Aguga Reptans and Viola Odorata do fine in those conditions too. 
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Rodgerisa would be good. If you want something spectacular, A Gunnera manicata or even a Tetrapanax Rex would be better.
  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
    Lizzie27 said:
    Yes, I agree Tinpot, but probably not wise near to a house.
    Worth thinking about? - I’m not knowledgable on these things but I understand that some tree’s root systems are narrow and deep so don’t worry foundations.  Similar for dwarf trees that never get too big above or below ground.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi Katrina - I think we need more info about the area you have, and it's surroundings, before advising further. Have you got a couple of photos you could upload? 
    Theoverall size and other factors like the amount of light and aspect, will have a bearing on what may be suitable for the spot.
    Permanently wet, or predominantly wet areas can be tricky or straightforward, depending on what else is there and your general weather conditions.
    If the ground's compacted clay, and water can't get away, as is often the case with new builds, or gardens which haven't been cultivated in any way, it can simply be a case of improving the soil condition by adding lots of manure, compost and grit.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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