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plants for damp soil
Elmoocho
Posts: 3
Hello, Im a beginner in gardening and just starting to get me head around things. I have a damp spot in my garden about 3 meters by 1. its permanently damp but firm to stand on. I've kept an eye on it for the past year and a half and the condition has not changed with the season or weather. Im looking to put in a plant or two that will help drain the area. The damp area is in a corner of my garden near a fence. Ideally i would like something about 1 meter tall that flowers if possible. I have two dogs so dont want to put anything in that would harm them. One of them likes to chew on wood/branches now and again.
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Posts
Ligularia will grow to the height you want and likes damp rich soil. I have this in my garden and people always comment on it.
Ligularia does die down in the winter - were you wanting an evergreen?
Astilbes will also love this spot as will Rodgersia aesculifolia - the latter is a gorgeous large leaved.plant that looks really striking and it has a beautiful plume of creamy scented flowers
Neither of these show up on a list of toxic plants as far as I can see.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks for the quick response forester2 and dovefromabove. Much appreciated. Im going to look into your recommendations. They look good plants.Forester2 Yes im looking for an evergreen. Im trying to drain the soil all year round to help avoid muddy paw prints. I know in winter / spring im asking a lot but anything that helps and makes my garden look good is great.
If you want to avoid muddy paws, why not cover it with permeable membrane and plant through it. you can then cover the membrane with bark. You won't drain the bed using plants, so work with the conditions. One roll of membrane and 2/3 bags of bark would do the job.
Some holly plants are OK in damp conditions - you could have a couple in the background plus plants that have been suggested above plus Dave Morgans idea of covering the ground with bark chippings.
Thanks very much for all your help. Im looking at my options with a bit more knowledge now.