Clay border Everyone would love to garden on easy-working, rich, deep, fertile soil. But the reality is that most of us do not. Species of one kind or another have adapted themselves to every set of growing conditions imaginable and, however unpromising your soil may be, there will always be a selection of lovely plants that will not only tolerate but enjoy life in your garden.
Heavy clay is a typical problem soil.
If you think your ground would be better for making bricks than growing plants, think again. Once you have overcome the initial problems associated with stiffer soils, the advantages they carry are considerable. Clays retain moisture, which can be of enormous benefit in a dry summer, provided you have improved drainage sufficiently to allow winter water surpluses to run away. They also tend to have a high natural fertility for growing good, vigorous plants. The aim is to achieve a warm, colourful display to follow the seasons.