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Soggy borders

iankyle2Hd9Gmtfziankyle2Hd9Gmtfz Posts: 19
in Problem solving
A tree surgeon removed 40-year-old conifers from our back garden a few months ago. It left us with larger borders and I incorporated  copious amounts of soil conditioner before replanting with a variety of small shrubs etc. Unfortunately due to the sloping terrain  and  exceptionally heavy rainfall the borders are now very heavy and waterlogged. I am not in a position to install drainage. Any suggestions to help tackle my swamp?

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    If you could make room, you could plant one or two small trees of your choice, perhaps  an ornamental type of willow, or a dogwood, that  enjoy wet soil and  would help to remove some of the excess water caused by the conifers demise.
    I am on the west side of the Pennines, with a steeply sloping garden, and just accept that at certain times parts will be very wet and have adjusted my planting to suit the conditions. There are plenty of beautiful plants that can cope with occasional flooding and anything you grow will help to reduce the surplus.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As the shrubs mature, it'll settle down. 
    Par for the course in this part of the world, so you have to plant accordingly.  :)
    If you have room, you can add more planting as @Buttercupdays says. Lots of plants need a permanently damp base, so take a look at adding those  - Acteas and Ligularias for example, as well as shrubs like Viburnum and Hydrangea etc.

    If the waterlogging is largely at the foot of the slope, I wouldn't worry too much. 
    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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