[dmg]

At the bottom of the garden there is a slight dip I have a large area roughly 12m2 that flooded with all the rain.
It is right at the boundary of 4 neighbouring gardens and is west facing.
Could I build a tiered rockery/ raised flower bed here.
I would like to make it a feature rising to about 3 - 4 ft high over 3 -4 tiers
Would the wet weather cause any major problems with the structure?, I was intending to use  small brick infill as a base and in the central parts of the tiers to help with drainage.
If not a tiered garden what is the best thing to do with the space?


Thanks
Dmg

[Paul Plots]

Had you considered plants that like damp conditions or those that can cope with periods under water?

If it remains very damp all year round a bog garden could become a feature.

[dmg]

Hi Paul,
I hadn't actually thought of that type of planting to be honest, I will have a look about to see if anything catches my eye. This is a new house for me - only been in since September so unsure how damp it will stay.
Do you know of any specific plants to put there?


Thanks,
Dmg

[Trillium]

A base of larger rocks for stability, and some stone/brick infill would do the trick. I take it you've recorded how high any flooding goes so that plants or the tops of any tiers won't be underwater. And as Paul suggests, water loving plants would be ideal for that location, at least, the very bottom where wetting is heaviest. Bet it will look great once done. Post pix 

[Paul Plots]

If it were me I'd try to use native plants... (they are more likely to survive) with a few posh jobs for interest.

We have common old yellow flag iris growing around the edge of (as well as in) our pond. They seem to be quite happy growing in damp soil even if it does get a bit on the dry side for a few weeks each year. There's also blue varieties that like the same conditions.

This link may be useful: RHS Bog gardens

[dmg]

Hi,
Thanks for the help paul
Trillium the flooding only got about 3/4 inches deep and that was at the lowest part of the garden
I think I will have a go with the rockery to begin with and see how I get on with it.


Thanks
Dmg

[Paul Plots]

I think a rockery could look great but rock can be so expensive. Building up the height with broken blocks / bricks and rubble will help give you height as well as drainage.

Ferns are useful plants - we have a few around our pond - and some gradually multiply and spread. A small tree such as a corkscrew hazel might also look good as well as absorb some of the moisture.

Any chance of some photos as the project progresses.. before, during and after? It sounds really interesting!
Good luck.

[Paul Plots]

This list of plants for wet gardens might be of interest...

Link for: Moisture Loving Plants.

I have no idea what the supplier is like nor do I recommend them but their suggestions may be useful to you.